Advertisement
Advertisement

Keyamo inaugurates Enugu Air, says regional operations will begin soon

Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development, has inaugurated Enugu Air, promising that the airline will soon commence regional flights to other African countries.

Speaking at the official launch of the airline, Keyamo said the development aligns with the federal government’s agenda to support the growth and sustainability of indigenous airlines.

This is one of our dreams come true here today in Enugu state, powered by the incredible governor of Enugu state,” the minister said.

He explained that obtaining an air operator certificate (AOC) to float an airline typically takes up to two years, but Peter Mbah, governor of Enugu state, opted to partner with XE Jet, an existing airline, to fast-track the process.

Advertisement

Keyamo said the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) approved the partnership, allowing Enugu Air to commence operations without delay.

The minister commended Mbah’s efforts to bring private sector investment into the management of the Enugu airport, adding that discussions are already underway to concession the airport to a consortium of top private investors.

“I am saying it here for the first time. Some of the best companies in terms of management of airports, they came together, driven by him, made a proposition,” he said.

Advertisement

“As I speak with you, in the next few months and few years, Enugu Airport will not be what you see here today. Private sector is coming into Enugu Airport, driven by the governor. That’s a big surprise waiting for you.”

Keyamo urged the state government and residents to run Enugu Air professionally, warning against political interference, bureaucracy, and the culture of free tickets.

“Do not let Enugu go the way of the Nigerian Airways. I beg you, run it professionally. Do not let bureaucracy to kill Enugu Air. Be prompt in your departures and arrivals. If the governor is two minutes late, close the door of the aircraft and take off,” the minister said.

“Do not say three of my friends are coming, they are friends of Enugu, give them three free tickets. If you want it to survive, Enugu people, support the airline.

Advertisement

“He has made it available; there will be flights from Enugu now. Enugu will be a bigger international hub now.

“I just whispered to him that we are going to approve regional operations from here very soon. To African states, bring your letter tomorrow, we are going to approve regional operations from here.“

He also promised to support the growth of the airline by facilitating the acquisition of additional aircraft.

“I will make this pledge: I will support Enugu Air. I will stand by Enugu Air. I will go around the world with you, looking for aircraft to lease for Enugu Air. Personally, I will give personal guarantees for you to get aircraft to run Enugu Air,” he added.

Advertisement

NCAA REGIONAL OFFICE ESTABLISHED IN ENUGU

Advertisement

Chris Najomo, director-general (DG) of the NCAA, described the partnership between XE Jet and Enugu Air as a smooth entry for the state into the aviation industry.

He said the launch of the airline is in line with the NCAA’s commitment to ease of doing business without compromising regulatory standards.

Advertisement

Najomo also announced the opening of an NCAA regional office in Enugu to bring regulatory oversight closer to operators.

“This is in a bid to bring regulatory activities closer home in the interest of those four pillars of safety, security, economic viability, and customer-centric,” the director-general said.

Advertisement

‘ENUGU AIR GIVING WINGS TO OUR DREAMS’

In his remarks, Mbah said the airline’s launch is part of efforts to position Enugu as a premier destination for investment, living, and tourism in Nigeria.

“Today, we have our own airline. And with it, we’re 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.

“A giant leap for Enugu State, a gold standard for government and private partnership. In the euphoria of the moment, however, we must never forget to give compliments where it is due.”

The governor thanked President Bola Tinubu for his support, as well as Keyamo, Najomo, and other stakeholders for their roles in actualising the project.

“Our chosen operator, XE Jet Airlines, is a 100 percent Nigerian-owned entity with a solid record of reliable, sustainable and successful aviation operations,” Mbah said.

He said the project was designed to create jobs, promote tourism, and offer more efficient travel options for residents, businesses, and the diaspora.

“We are starting with three Embraer aircraft, efficient and elegant birds made for our terrain,” he said.

“Our routes begin with Enugu-Abuja-Lagos, then extend to Port Harcourt, Owerri, Benin, Kano, and other cities.”

The governor added that in the next phase, Enugu Air will expand operations to African destinations before flying to China, Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States, and other global business hubs.

error: Content is protected from copying.