*Enugu residents hail Mbah, describe unveiling of Enugu Air as landmark achievement
WorldStage newsonline–Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, on Monday, inaugurated the Enugu airline known as Enugu Air with a call on its effective management and sustainability.
The airline’s three aircraft were acquired by the Enugu State Government, financed by Fidelity Bank PLC and being operated by XEJet, a privately-owned Nigeria airline.
The aircrafts also began operation with one of the aircrafts flown in with passengers from Lagos to Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.
Inaugurating the airline, Keyamo said the initiative was one of the five-points agenda President Bola Tinubu administration established when they came into office.
According to him, one of the agenda is to ensure the growth and sustenance of the local operators; also, encourage the operators to establish local airlines, as well as support their growth, sustenance and development.
“This is one of our dreams that came true here today in Enugu State, powered by the incredible governor.
“He was one of the first governors that visited me the moment I was made Minister of Aviation to push for Enugu airline.
“Through his persistence, we approved his partnership with XE Jet which already had Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC),” Keyamo said.
Advising the managers of the airline, Keyamo said, “Do not let the airline go the way of the Nigerian airways.
“I beg you to run it professionally and do not let bureaucracy to kill Enugu Air.”
Speaking, Gov Mbah disclosed that among the key objectives his administration outlined on assumption of office, was a pledge to make Enugu the premier destination for investment, living and tourism in Nigeria.
“So, what we are witnessing today is a clear pathway to that goal of what can happen when the right enablers for enterprise are put in place.
“With the airline, we are opening doors to a sector that once felt out of reach; Enugu Air has given more wings to our dreams and today we take that first flight together,” he said.
He commended Tinubu, Keyamo, the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Capt. Chris Najomo, XE Jet operators, the Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank PLC, Dr Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, and others for their support.
The governor said that the airline was an economic enabler, a job creator, and strategic platform for Enugu’s emergence as a regional hub for the Southeast and beyond.
“We are starting off with three aircraft with efficient, elegant birds made for our terrain.
“Our routes begin with powerful gold engines from Enugu to Abuja, Lagos and from there, we will stretch our wings to Port Harcourt, Owerri, Benin Kano and across various other cities and beyond,” he explained.
In his remark, the Fidelity Bank boss, said: “The bank is proud to finance tomorrow’s opportunities today.
“Our support for Enugu Air reflects our long-standing belief in aviation as a driver of economic growth, regional connectivity, and national transformation.
“As the lead financier of this visionary project, we stand firmly behind its potential to unlock new corridors of opportunity—boosting tourism, accelerating commerce, and creating thousands of jobs across the Southeast.”
The Chief Executive Officer, XE Jet, and Enugu Air, Mr Emmanuel Iza, explained that the inauguration was made possible through a strategic technical partnership with XEJet, which would span 24 months.
According to him, during this time, Enugu Air will operate under XEJet’s guidance while working to secure all regulatory licenses required to obtain its own Air AOC.
“Our mission with Enugu Air goes beyond air travel. It is about building a brand that reflects the spirit of its people, resilient, proud, capable and ready to soar,” Iza said.
Earlier, the Enugu State Commissioner for Transport, Dr Obi Ozor, while lauding Mbah for transforming Enugu transport sector, said the airline would redefine connectivity and reposition Enugu as a global gateway.
A LANDMARK ACHIEVEMENT
Residents of Enugu State have hailed Gov. Peter Mbah for the successful unveiling of the Enugu Air on Monday.
According to them, the launch of Enugu Air was a landmark moment, not just for the state but for the Southeast region.
They bared their mind on Monday during the official unveiling of the airline at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.
Reacting, the Chairman of Igbo-Etiti Council Area, Dr. Eric Odo said the launch represented a renewed hope and opportunity for the state.
Odo said that the airline would help streamline travel, strengthen commerce, and offer businesses the connectivity they long deserved.
“I must commend our visionary and pragmatic governor for this audacious and bold achievement.
“As a public servant, I am very proud to be alive and to witness this wonderful milestone, ” Odo said.
The council chairman urged Enugu citizens to embrace Enugu Air; “supporting our own as we elevate our state” .
“Together, we’re not just building infrastructures; we’re building a future reaching above and beyond our horizons,” he said.
Also, the Chairman, Enugu State Traditional Rulers’ Council, Igwe Ikechukwu Asadu, said the Enugu Air would connect the state to the global market as well as attract more investors.
Asadu revealed that Enugu was the first in South East and second in the country to launch a state-owned airline.
According to him, this gives the state a key player in the aviation sector.
In his remarks, Mr Chibuike Onyekachi, the Managing Director of PowellHomes and Shelters, described the launch as a “bold and forward thinking move in the transport sector.
According to him, the initiative would stimulate economic activity and boost investment across the region.
“The introduction of the Embraer E170 and E190 series into the state’s aviation space signals a new era for regional air connectivity.
“As a developer, I can foresee the new wave of infrastructure demand and opportunities this initiative will attract,” he said.
A trader at the popular Ogbete main market Paschal Nweke however, asked the government to ensure the airline was affordable for Enugu travelers.
He expressed optimism that the airline would help to end the monopoly and exploitation by the other airlines as well as create jobs for the teeming unemployed youths in the state.
