Enugu State Government has launched Enugu Air, a new state-owned airline, with operations managed by the private airline Xejet.
The launch was marked by a ceremony at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, aiming to enhance Enugu’s position as a regional aviation and economic hub.
Governor Peter Mbah received commendations for this initiative, which is expected to boost local economic growth. The airline plans to serve major Nigerian cities like Lagos and Abuja with Embraer aircraft.
Governor Peter Mbah has given specific reasons why his administration launched an airline, Enugu Air.
The airline started off with three Embraer aircrafts with routes beginning with Enugu to Abuja to Lagos.
The Governor said one of the reasons was for young people in the state, who would now see real career paths in aviation, logistics, tourism, and hospitality industry.
Mbah, who spoke during the launch and inaugural flight of Enugu Air on Monday at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, added that the airline was also meant for the state’s business community, who need faster, more reliable access to markets, clients, and capital.
The launch, he further stated, was, “For our diaspora, who deserve simpler, more dignified access to home.
“For global investors, who will now see Enugu not as a hidden gem, but as a ready gateway to collaboration and opportunity”.
Mbah, who expressed happiness at the fruitful launch of the airline, stated that Enugu Air had “given more wings to our dreams. And today, we take that first flight together – a giant leap for Enugu State; a gold standard for government and private partnership.”
While stating that the airline is more than just infrastructure, Mbah described it as an economic enabler, a job creator and a strategic platform for Enugu’s emergence as a regional hub for the South East, Nigeria and beyond.
“We’re starting off with three Embraer aircraft – efficient elegant birds made for our terrain. Our routes begin with a powerful golden triangle: Enugu to Abuja to Lagos. From there, we stretch our wings to Port Harcourt, Owerri, Benin, Kano, and across various other cities.
“Our aviation strategy is pivotal to economic growth, supporting tourism and hospitality, and attracting over 3 million visitors into Enugu annually.
“This transportation revolution is creating numerous opportunities: from bus drivers to technicians, logistics workers.
“We are building an entire ecosystem that will create over 20,000 jobs across BRT, 2,000 hybrid city taxis, airport operations, ride-hailing and support services.
“Like blood carries nutrients through the body, transport connects every vital organ of society – people to opportunities, goods to market, and dreams to reality – by road, air, or rail.
“Enugu Air (operated by XEJet)is no flight of fancy. It’s among the many connecting dots on a large canvas, highlighting our dreams, giving clarity and conviction to our defining goals: Achieving 7-fold GDP growth, and reducing poverty to the barest minimum.
“When we say Enugu State is open for business, it is not a hollow platitude. Moments like this lend credence to that bold claim,” he said.
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