Enugu Air has received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), marking a major milestone in the effort to position Enugu as a regional aviation hub.
The airline described the development as a significant step in realising the vision of Peter Mbah, governor of Enugu State, to transform the state into a centre for commerce, logistics and aviation in West and Central Africa.
Presenting the certificate at the NCAA headquarters in Abuja, the Director-General of the authority, Chris Najomo, described the development as historic in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Najomo said the airline completed the rigorous certification process in five months and three weeks, far shorter than the typical 15 to 24 months required for most airlines.
He also noted that the state-owned carrier began operations with a fleet of six aircraft, a rare achievement for a newly certified airline in the country.
The NCAA boss emphasised that the certification process involved detailed safety and operational evaluations across multiple departments of the aviation regulator.
According to him, Enugu Air met all regulatory requirements and demonstrated full compliance with Nigeria’s aviation safety standards.
The Accountable Manager and Chief Executive Officer of Enugu Air, Tolu Ita, thanked the Enugu State government for its support and praised the NCAA for its professionalism during the certification process.
She said the airline remains committed to building a reliable, efficient and globally competitive carrier that prioritises passenger safety and quality service.
The Commissioner for Transportation in Enugu State, Obi Ozor, described the airline as a key part of Governor Mbah’s broader transport and logistics transformation agenda.
According to him, the airline plans to expand its fleet to 20 aircraft and commence regional operations before the end of 2026, connecting Enugu with major domestic and international destinations.
Ozor also commended the airline’s operating partner, XEJet Limited, for guiding the carrier through the regulatory certification process.
The Group Chief Executive Officer of XEJet Limited, Emmanuel Iza, said the achievement demonstrates the potential of public–private partnerships in developing Nigeria’s aviation sector.
“This milestone shows what strong collaboration between government and the commercial aviation sector can achieve,” he said.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Enugu Air Board, Ricky Agu, assured the NCAA that the state government would continue to support the airline to maintain world-class operational standards.
The certificate presentation ceremony was attended by aviation regulators and members of the Enugu State delegation, including the Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport, Iphie Ugonabo.
Visit GMTNewsng for more news stories.
