Enugu Air receives aviation certification from NCAA, fast-tracking Governor Mbah’s vision to make Enugu a regional hub for commerce and air travel

Enugu Air has been officially granted its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), marking a significant milestone in Governor Peter Mbah’s vision to establish Enugu as a leading aviation and logistics hub in West and Central Africa.

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The certificate was presented to Enugu Air’s Accountable Manager and CEO, Captain Tolu Ita, by NCAA Director General Captain Chris Njomo at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.

Captain Njomo described the achievement as historic for Nigeria’s aviation industry, noting that Enugu Air completed the rigorous certification process in just five months and three weeks a fraction of the typical 15- to 24-month timeline.

“Enugu Air distinguished itself by commencing operations with a complete fleet of six aircraft, a rare feat for a newly certified airline in the country,” Captain Njomo said.

He praised Governor Mbah’s leadership and the state team for executing the project with speed, discipline, and purpose.

Captain Tolu Ita commended Governor Mbah for providing the vision and enabling environment that facilitated the record-breaking certification.

She also expressed gratitude to NCAA for their professionalism and pledged that Enugu Air would uphold the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and service.

Enugu State Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Obi Ozor, emphasised that Enugu Air forms a key part of the state’s transport and logistics transformation agenda.

He revealed plans to expand the airline’s fleet to 20 aircraft and commence regional operations before the end of 2026, connecting Enugu to key domestic and international markets.

The airline’s operating partner, XEJet Limited, played a central role in guiding Enugu Air through the regulatory process.

XEJet CEO Emmanuel Iza highlighted the achievement as a demonstration of the value of strong partnerships between government and the commercial aviation sector.

Barrister Ricky Agu, Board Chairman of Enugu Air, assured regulators that the state government would continue to provide support to ensure world-class operations.

The AOC presentation was witnessed by senior aviation officials and members of the Enugu State delegation, including the Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport, Iphie Ugonabo.

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The certification positions Enugu Air as a strategic player in Nigeria’s aviation industry, advancing the state’s ambition to become a regional hub for commerce, transport, and investment.