The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has granted interim authorisation for Enugu Air to commence domestic flight operations through a partnership with XEJet, pending the completion of its Air Operator Certificate (AOC).
This was disclosed and signed by the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu. The approval allows Enugu Air to begin operating commercial flights using XEJet’s regulatory framework and aircraft, following a successful variation process that added the Embraer 170 aircraft to XEJet’s Operations Specifications.
Terms of agreement
Under the terms of this arrangement, XEJet is now authorised to operate scheduled domestic flights on behalf of Enugu Air, in accordance with the NCAA’s five-phase certification process. Ticket sales and bookings are currently being handled via XEJet’s platform, with redirection support from Enugu Air’s official website. This collaboration aligns with the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development’s 5-Point Agenda, which includes promoting indigenous airlines, improving the ease of doing business, and implementing broader sectoral reforms.
Enugu Air was officially inaugurated on July 7, 2025, in a ceremony led by Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and attended by Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah. The airline commenced operations with a fleet of three Embraer 170 aircraft, each with a seating capacity of approximately 76 passengers. Initial routes include flights from Enugu to Abuja and Enugu to Lagos, with plans to expand to additional Nigerian cities.
Governor Mbah emphasized that the long-term vision is to transform Enugu into a regional aviation hub. The airline eventually aims to extend its operations to regional destinations across Africa. Meanwhile, the NCAA reaffirmed its commitment to upholding safety, security, and consumer protection standards while promoting fair competition and sustainable growth in Nigeria’s aviation sector.