In a major win for Nigeria’s aviation sector, Enugu Air has officially received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), marking a “historic” milestone in the state’s push to become a regional economic powerhouse.
The certificate was presented Tuesday, 10th March, at the NCAA headquarters in Abuja by the Director General, Captain Chris Najomo, to Enugu Air’s CEO, Captain Tolu Ita.
The NCAA praised the airline for its unprecedented speed and discipline. While most airlines take between 15 and 24 months to clear the rigorous certification process, Enugu Air completed it in just six months.
Captain Najomo also noted another “rare feat”: the state-owned airline is entering the market with a complete fleet of six aircraft, whereas most new carriers typically start with only one or two.
“This development is evidence of purposeful governance,” Najomo stated, commending the vision of Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah. “The airline has met all regulatory requirements and demonstrated full compliance with Nigeria’s aviation safety standards.”
The airline is a cornerstone of Governor Mbah’s strategy to transform Enugu into a hub for commerce and logistics across West and Central Africa.
According to Dr. Obi Ozor, the Commissioner for Transportation, the airline’s roadmap is ambitious:
- Plans are already in place to grow the fleet to 20 aircraft.
- The airline expects to begin international operations within Africa before the end of 2026.
- The goal is to facilitate trade, tourism, and investment by linking Enugu directly to key domestic and global markets.
The successful launch was supported by XEJet Limited, the airline’s operating partner. Emmanuel Iza, Group CEO of XEJet, expressed pride in the collaboration, stating that the achievement shows what is possible when the government and the private sector work together effectively.
Captain Tolu Ita, CEO of Enugu Air, reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to safety and service, thanking both the Governor and the NCAA for their support. “We are building a reliable, efficient, and globally competitive carrier,” she said.
The ceremony was attended by senior aviation officials and representatives from the Enugu State government, signaling a new era for transport in the South-East region.
