Enugu air secures air operator certificate in record time, targets regional expansion

Enugu Air reached a major milestone on Tuesday, March 10, as it officially received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

The certification marks a pivotal moment in Governor Peter Mbah’s strategic plan to transform Enugu into a premier regional hub for commerce, logistics, and aviation within West and Central Africa.

During the presentation ceremony at the NCAA headquarters in Abuja, the Director General of the NCAA, Captain Chris Najomo, hailed the achievement as historic.

He noted that the airline successfully navigated the rigorous, multi-departmental certification process in just five months and three weeks, a timeframe significantly faster than the industry average of 15 to 24 months.

Furthermore, the NCAA highlighted that Enugu Air is the first newly certified carrier in recent memory to commence operations with a complete fleet of six aircraft, a testament to the state government's significant investment and operational readiness.

The AOC confirms that Enugu Air has met all mandatory safety, technical, and operational standards required for commercial air transport.

Captain Tolu Ita, the CEO of Enugu Air, attributed this swift progress to the enabling environment and leadership support provided by Governor Mbah, while also acknowledging the professionalism of the NCAA throughout the evaluation process.

Dr. Obi Ozor, the Enugu State Commissioner for Transportation, described the airline as a cornerstone of the administration’s broader transport and logistics agenda.

He confirmed that the airline is now actively working to expand its fleet to 20 aircraft, with a goal to commence regional operations by the end of 2025. This expansion is intended to bridge critical connectivity gaps in the South-East, facilitating increased trade, tourism, and investment.

The success of the certification was bolstered by a strategic operating partnership with XEJet Limited, which guided the airline through the complex regulatory requirements.

Emmanuel Iza, Group CEO of XEJet Limited, praised the partnership as a model for how government and private sector collaboration can effectively advance national aviation infrastructure.

Board Chairman of Enugu Air, Barrister Ricky Agu, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to maintaining world-class operational standards as the airline moves toward its next phase of domestic and regional growth.