Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, Enugu State governor, says the newly launched Enugu Air will fly into China, Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States, and other African nations.

Speaking during the inauguration of the state-owned airline in Enugu on Monday, Mbah said the airline will start off with three Embraer aircraft and will first begin with Enugu to Abuja to Lagos before stretching its wings to Port Harcourt, Owerri, Benin, Kano, and across various other cities.

He said from these cities, it would expand to Africa and other countries across the world.

“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 the airline is more than just infrastructure but an economic enabler, a job creator and a strategic platform for Enugu’s emergence as a regional hub for South-East Nigeria and beyond.

“Enugu is home to one of Nigeria’s largest clusters of tertiary institutions. For too long, our graduates dreamed of an aviation career with no clear pathway. That era is over,” the governor said.

According to him, the state’s aviation strategy is pivotal to economic growth, supporting tourism and hospitality, and attracting over three million visitors into Enugu annually.

“This transportation revolution is creating numerous opportunities: from bus drivers to technicians, logistics workers.”

Mbah said the state is building an ecosystem that will create over 20,000 jobs across BRT, 2,000 hybrid city taxis, airport operations, ride-hailing and support services.

He described transportation as the lifeblood of any thriving society and the artery through which the energy of commerce flows.

He said Enugu Air, which will be operated by XEJet, is no flight of fancy but “among the many connecting dots on a large canvas, highlighting our dreams, giving clarity and conviction to our defining goals of achieving seven-fold GDP growth, and reducing poverty to the barest minimum.”

He assured that XEJet Airlines, a Nigerian-owned entity, has a solid record of reliable, sustainable, and successful aviation operations.

He appreciated Fidelity Bank Plc, the strategic financial partner, for believing in the state’s dream and helping to bring it to life.

Emmanuel Ayuba Iza, CEO, XEjet, described Enugu Air as a “bold dream, rooted in identity, driven by excellence, and powered by the people of Enugu.”

He said the launch is made possible through a strategic technical partnership with XEJet, which will span 24 months.

During this time, Enugu Air will operate under XEJet’s guidance while working to secure all regulatory licenses required to obtain its own Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC), the CEO said.

He said the mission with Enugu Air goes beyond air travel.

The airline’s CEO disclosed that Kelechi Ossai, an indigenous pilot from Enugu State, has been recruited and trained to join the cockpit crew.

“Our cabin crew members, many of whom are proudly here with us today, have been selected from across Enugu, trained to deliver world-class service, while embodying the warmth, elegance, and cultural richness that define this state,” he said.

Obi Ozor, commissioner for transportation, Enugu State, said the governor has laid out the transformational roadmap for Enugu State’s transport and logistics future.

The commissioner also said Governor Mbah wants Enugu to become the Dubai of Africa, to build a transport system that powers everything from trade & commerce to tourism – bringing in over three million visitors annually and growing the economy from $4 billion to $30 billion and beyond – a system driven by infrastructure, access, and innovation.

Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development, described Governor Mbah as one of Nigeria’s top-performing governors.

“I want to mirror what the president said the other day while commissioning a project. Peter Mbah, you are in PDP, but we are scared of you. The way you are going, we do not know what will happen, and we do not know how to drop a scheme to defeat you, but we will be planning,” Keyamo said.

Keyamo also urged the Enugu State government to ensure Enugu Air is run professionally and shielded from political interference and bureaucratic inefficiency.

“What is left to advise is, do not let Enugu Air go the way of Nigerian Airways. Run it professionally and do not let bureaucracy kill Enugu Air. Be prompt in your departure and arrival.” (Business Day)