Enugu Air has officially received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, marking a major milestone in the state government’s plan to position Enugu as a key aviation and logistics hub in West and Central Africa.

The certificate was presented on Tuesday at the NCAA headquarters in Abuja to the airline’s Accountable Manager and Chief Executive Officer, Captain Tolu Ita, by the Director-General of the regulatory body, Captain Chris Najomo.

Najomo described the certification as a significant development in Nigeria’s aviation sector, noting that Enugu Air completed the demanding approval process in just five months and three weeks—far quicker than the typical industry timeline of between 15 and 24 months.

He also highlighted that the state-owned airline commenced with a fleet of six aircraft, a development he described as unusual for a newly certified airline in Nigeria.

According to the NCAA boss, the certification followed thorough inspections and evaluations by several departments of the aviation regulator, confirming that Enugu Air had satisfied all regulatory requirements and safety standards guiding airline operations in Nigeria.

Najomo commended the leadership of Peter Mbah, Governor of Enugu State, stating that the speed and efficiency with which the project was executed reflected strong leadership and clear vision. He also urged the airline’s management to sustain high standards of safety, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence.

In her response, Captain Ita expressed gratitude to Governor Mbah for conceiving the Enugu Air initiative and for providing the necessary support and enabling environment that made the swift certification possible.

She also thanked the NCAA for its professionalism throughout the approval process and assured that the airline would focus on delivering safe, reliable, and high-quality services while building a competitive carrier capable of meeting international standards.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Transportation in Enugu State, Dr Obi Ozor, explained that the establishment of Enugu Air forms part of the state government’s broader strategy to transform transportation and logistics in the region.

He revealed that the airline plans to expand its fleet to 20 aircraft and begin regional operations before the end of 2026, helping to connect Enugu with major domestic and international destinations while promoting trade, tourism, investment, and economic growth.

Ozor also acknowledged the role played by XEJet Limited, Enugu Air’s operating partner, in guiding the airline through the rigorous certification process.

The Group Chief Executive Officer of XEJet Limited, Emmanuel Iza, congratulated the airline on the achievement, describing the milestone as proof that strong collaboration between government and private aviation stakeholders can advance air transport development.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Enugu Air Board, Barrister Ricky Agu, assured the NCAA that the state government would continue to support the airline to ensure it operates in line with global aviation standards.

The presentation ceremony was attended by senior aviation regulators and members of the Enugu State delegation, including the Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport, Iphie Ugonabo, as well as other members of the airline’s management team.