Enugu State in Nigeria launches its new airline Enugu Air

The state-owned commercial airline was established by the Governor of Enugu State, Dr Peter Mbah, in a view to attract investment and tourism.

“I had the honour of unveiling Enugu Air, our state-owned commercial airline - a bold step towards realising our vision of transforming Enugu into a regional aviation and economic powerhouse,” said Mbah.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, was also in attendance at the inauguration and warned for the airline not to have the same fate as Nigerian Airways which was liquidated: “Do not let Enugu Air go the way of Nigerian Airways. Run it professionally and do not let bureaucracy kill Enugu Air,” he said.

Mbah said the airline will start off with three Embraer aircraft and will first begin with Enugu to Abuja to Lagos before expanding to Port Harcourt, Owerri, Benin, Kano, and across various other cities.

“In the next phase, we will fly beyond Nigeria, into other African countries, China, Europe, UK, US, and other global business hubs,” he said.

Mbah said that Enugu Air will help transform the state into a regional hub for business and tourism, as well as create jobs and career paths for young people.