Governor Peter Mbah has launched Enugu Air, a new airline owned by Enugu State, with bold plans to fly beyond Nigeria to destinations like China, Europe, the UK, the US, and other African countries.
Speaking at the launch in Enugu, Mbah said the airline will start with three Embraer aircraft. Initial routes will include Enugu to Abuja and Lagos. From there, it will expand to other cities like Port Harcourt, Owerri, Benin, and Kano.
He explained that the goal is to eventually connect Enugu with other parts of Africa and major cities around the world.
Governor Mbah described Enugu Air as more than just a transport service. He said it will create jobs, support tourism, and help Enugu grow into a major hub in the South-East.
For many years, young people in Enugu have dreamed of careers in aviation but had no opportunity. Mbah said that with this airline, those dreams can now come true.
He also mentioned that the airline is a key part of a wider plan to bring in over three million tourists each year and grow the state’s economy.
This transport project is expected to create thousands of jobs in areas like bus services, technical support, airport work, and ride-hailing services. According to the governor, over 20,000 jobs will be created through the full transport system which includes BRT buses and hybrid taxis.
Mbah called transport the “lifeblood” of society—vital for business and growth.
Enugu Air will be operated by XEJet for now. Mbah said the airline is not just an idea, but a key part of Enugu’s plan to increase its GDP and reduce poverty in the state.
He praised XEJet for its strong track record in safe and reliable flying. He also thanked Fidelity Bank for helping make the airline project a reality.
The CEO of XEJet, Emmanuel Ayuba Iza, said Enugu Air is a “bold dream” that represents the pride and strength of the people of Enugu. He explained that the airline will run under XEJet for 24 months while working to get its own Air Operator’s Certificate.
He also said Enugu Air is about more than just flying. It’s about growth and giving people from the state a chance to work and shine.
Iza shared that a local pilot from Enugu, Kelechi Ossai, has already been hired and trained. Cabin crew members were also selected from Enugu and trained to offer world-class service with a local touch.
Enugu State’s Commissioner for Transportation, Obi Ozor, said the governor has a clear vision to make Enugu a leading transportation hub, just like Dubai.
The commissioner said the aim is to grow the state’s economy from $4 billion to $30 billion by improving transport, tourism, and trade.
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, praised Governor Mbah, calling him one of the best-performing governors in the country. He joked that even though Mbah belongs to another political party, his performance is so good that it worries the ruling party.
Keyamo advised that Enugu Air must be run professionally, without politics or delays. He warned that poor management should not ruin the airline like it did for the old Nigerian Airways.
