Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has officially unveiled Enugu Air, a state-owned airline he described as a “giant leap” for the state and a benchmark in public-private sector collaboration.
The inaugural flight took off on Monday, marking what Mbah called a historic milestone for Ndi Enugu and aligning with his administration’s vision to make Enugu a top destination for investment, living, and tourism in Nigeria.
“It is an honour to stand before you today—not just as a governor, but as a fellow believer in the power of vision,” Mbah said at the launch ceremony.
Although the unveiling came shortly after his administration’s second anniversary, Mbah described Enugu Air as a “fitting gift” to the people of Enugu.
He emphasized that the airline represents more than just a new mode of transportation—it is a bold move toward unlocking sectors long considered out of reach and enabling new opportunities for economic growth.
“We began this journey without making empty promises. One of our key pledges was to make Enugu the premier destination for investment, living, and tourism in Nigeria. Today, we are witnessing a clear path to that goal,” the governor said.
According to Mbah, the launch of Enugu Air reflects the transformative potential of strategic public-private partnerships. “With our airline, we are opening doors to a sector once considered distant. Enugu Air has given more wings to our dreams—and today, we take that first flight together.”
Also speaking at the ceremony, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, addressed speculation regarding the status of Akanu Ibiam International Airport. He clarified that the airport was not being sold but concessioned to private investors to enhance efficiency and expand services.
“I’ve seen comments suggesting we’re selling Enugu airport—that is not the case. We are concessioning it. This process is fully backed by the President, the Ministry of Aviation, FAAN, and the National Assembly committees,” Keyamo said.
He noted that the upcoming development of a cargo terminal at the airport will significantly boost trade and create jobs in the region.
“You can now process exports directly from Enugu through the cargo terminal. This will benefit the local economy and create employment opportunities for the people of Enugu,” he added.
Keyamo commended Governor Mbah for taking initiative in driving investment to the airport, noting that the governor “did not wait for bureaucracy to catch up before taking action.”
