Enugu Air Takes Off, as Private investor 'll soon take over Enugu Airport

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, on Monday announced that a private operator will ntake over the management of Akanu Ibiam International Airport Enugu in a matter of days.

Keyamo made the announcement during the inauguration of Enugu Air, Enugu State owned airline, at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.

He said it was the policy of the federal government to confession major airports in Nigeria as the government cannot run the airports profitably.

"Soon a private operator will come into the airport on concession. There is no way government will run the airports in Nigeria, we don't have the drive of the private sector, otherwise it will be run at a loss.

"So a private operator will soon take over the management of the airport including the cargo section and you can process your export products here easily," he announced.

Keyamo praised Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah for his vision and determination, saying aside party lines, the governor was doing well for the state.

“Dr. Peter Mbah, you’re in PDP, but we’re scared of you. The way you’re going, we don’t know how to beat your performance. You have a progressive spirit, and you’ve done well for Enugu State.”

The minister called for a professional and non-political approach in managing Enugu Air, warning against bureaucratic inefficiency.

“Don’t let Enugu Air go the way of Nigerian Airways. Run it professionally. Keep to schedules—no African time.”

In is remarks, Gov Mbah stated that due to the long period of time it will take to process Air Operating Certificate (AOC) to operate the state's sole airline, the state government decided to kickoff Enugu Air in partnership with XE-Jet an already existing reliable and experienced airline with track record of high performance.

"Enugu Air is a triumph of vision and economic renaissance.... We are doing this for specific reason: to expose our young ones to opportunities in aviation including pilots, cabin crew, logistics handling... This is is more than infrastructure, it's economic enabler," Mbah said.

Enugu Air will launch operations with three Embraer jets (E170 and E190 series), selected for their efficiency and suitability for regional flights. 

Initial routes will link Enugu with Abuja and Lagos in a triangular network, with future expansions planned for Port Harcourt, Owerri, Benin, Kano, and more.

Enugu Air is operated by XEJet, a licensed Nigerian airline. 

The Enugu State Government owns the brand, but XEJet provides the aircraft, pilots, and crew but with gradual infusion of local staffing.