Festus Keyamo, minister of aviation and aerospace development, has inaugurated Enugu Air, promising that the airline will soon commence regional flights to other African countries.
Speaking at the official launch of the airline, Keyamo said
the development aligns with the federal government’s agenda to support the
growth and sustainability of indigenous airlines.
“This is one of our dreams come true here today in Enugu
state, powered by the incredible governor of Enugu state,” the minister said.
He explained that obtaining an air operator certificate
(AOC) to float an airline typically takes up to two years, but Peter Mbah,
governor of Enugu state, opted to partner with XE Jet, an existing airline, to
fast-track the process.
Keyamo said the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA)
approved the partnership, allowing Enugu Air to commence operations without
delay.
The minister commended Mbah’s efforts to bring private sector
investment into the management of the Enugu airport, adding that discussions
are already underway to concession the airport to a consortium of top private
investors.
“I am saying it here for the first time. Some of the best
companies in terms of management of airports, they came together, driven by him,
made a proposition,” he said.
“As I speak with you, in the next few months and few years,
Enugu Airport will not be what you see here today. Private sector is coming
into Enugu Airport, driven by the governor. That’s a big surprise waiting for
you.”
Keyamo urged the state government and residents to run Enugu
Air professionally, warning against political interference, bureaucracy, and
the culture of free tickets.
“Do not let Enugu go the way of the Nigerian Airways. I beg
you, run it professionally. Do not let bureaucracy to kill Enugu Air. Be prompt
in your departures and arrivals. If the governor is two minutes late, close the
door of the aircraft and take off,” the minister said.
“Do not say three of my friends are coming, they are friends
of Enugu, give them three free tickets. If you want it to survive, Enugu
people, support the airline.
“He has made it available; there will be flights from Enugu
now. Enugu will be a bigger international hub now.
“I just whispered to him that we are going to approve
regional operations from here very soon. To African states, bring your letter
tomorrow, we are going to approve regional operations from here.“
He also promised to support the growth of the airline by
facilitating the acquisition of additional aircraft.
“I will make this pledge: I will support Enugu Air. I will
stand by Enugu Air. I will go around the world with you, looking for aircraft
to lease for Enugu Air. Personally, I will give personal guarantees for you to
get aircraft to run Enugu Air,” he added.
NCAA REGIONAL OFFICE
ESTABLISHED IN ENUGU
Chris Najomo, director-general (DG) of the NCAA, described
the partnership between XE Jet and Enugu Air as a smooth entry for the state
into the aviation industry.
He said the launch of the airline is in line with the NCAA’s
commitment to ease of doing business without compromising regulatory standards.
Najomo also announced the opening of an NCAA regional office
in Enugu to bring regulatory oversight closer to operators.
“This is in a bid to bring regulatory activities closer home
in the interest of those four pillars of safety, security, economic viability,
and customer-centric,” the director-general said.
‘ENUGU AIR GIVING
WINGS TO OUR DREAMS’
In his remarks, Mbah said the airline’s launch is part of
efforts to position Enugu as a premier destination for investment, living, and
tourism in Nigeria.
“Today, we have our own airline. And with it, we’re opening
doors to a sector that once felt out of reach. Enugu Air has given more wings
to our dreams, and today, we take that first flight together,” he said.
“A giant leap for Enugu State, a gold standard for
government and private partnership. In the euphoria of the moment, however, we
must never forget to give compliments where it is due.”
The governor thanked President Bola Tinubu for his support,
as well as Keyamo, Najomo, and other stakeholders for their roles in
actualising the project.
“Our chosen operator, XE Jet Airlines, is a 100 percent
Nigerian-owned entity with a solid record of reliable, sustainable and
successful aviation operations,” Mbah said.
He said the project was designed to create jobs, promote
tourism, and offer more efficient travel options for residents, businesses, and
the diaspora.
“We are starting with three Embraer aircraft, efficient and
elegant birds made for our terrain,” he said.
“Our routes begin with Enugu-Abuja-Lagos, then extend to
Port Harcourt, Owerri, Benin, Kano, and other cities.”
The governor added that in the next phase, Enugu Air will
expand operations to African destinations before flying to China, Europe, the
United Kingdom, the United States, and other global business hubs.
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