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Enugu Air Secures AOC in Record Time, Paving Way for Regional Aviation Ambitions

Published by Samuel Ayomide on March 10th, 2026.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has officially issued an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) to Enugu Air, the state-owned carrier, in a record setting timeline of just five months and three weeks far ahead of the industry standard of 15 to 24 months. The certification marks a significant milestone in Governor Peter Mbah’s vision to transform Enugu State into a regional aviation and logistics hub.

The presentation took place on Tuesday at the NCAA headquarters in Abuja, with Director-General Chris Najomo describing the rapid certification process as “historic.” He noted that Enugu Air distinguished itself by launching with a full fleet of six aircraft, a rare achievement for new entrants in Nigeria’s domestic aviation sector.

“The airline successfully met rigorous evaluations across multiple departments, demonstrating full compliance with Nigeria’s aviation safety and operational standards,” Najomo said, commending the leadership and discipline of the state government in ensuring a smooth process.

Enugu Air’s Accountable Manager and Chief Executive Officer, Tolu Ita, credited the state government for providing an enabling environment, reaffirming the airline’s commitment to building a “reliable, efficient, and globally competitive” carrier.

The Enugu State Commissioner for Transportation, Obi Ozor, revealed plans to expand the fleet to 20 aircraft and target regional operations before the end of 2026, connecting Enugu to key international markets. He described the airline as a strategic component of the state’s broader transport and logistics transformation, aimed at unlocking economic opportunities.

Ozor also acknowledged the critical role of XEJet Limited, the airline’s operating partner, in navigating regulatory hurdles. XEJet Group CEO Emmanuel Iza praised the milestone as evidence of the value of public-private partnerships in advancing Nigeria’s aviation sector.

Board Chairman of Enugu Air, Ricky Agu, assured regulators of the state’s continued support to maintain world-class operations. The certification ceremony was attended by senior aviation officials and a high-level delegation from Enugu State, including Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport, Iphie Ugonabo.