The certification, described by the airline as a landmark achievement, aligns with Governor Peter Mbah’s vision of positioning Enugu as a strategic center for commerce, transportation, and aviation in the region.
The presentation ceremony took place at the NCAA headquarters in Abuja, where the agency’s Director General, Captain Chris Najomo, handed over the certificate to Enugu Air’s Accountable Manager and CEO, Captain Tolu Ita. Captain Najomo described the milestone as historic, highlighting that Enugu Air completed the rigorous certification process in just five months and three weeks—a timeline significantly shorter than the typical 15 to 24 months expected for new airlines.
He further noted that the fully state-owned carrier entered operations with a complete fleet of six aircraft, an unusual achievement for a newly certified airline in Nigeria. The NCAA’s assessment confirmed that Enugu Air had met all regulatory requirements, demonstrating full compliance with national aviation safety and operational standards.
Captain Najomo praised Governor Mbah’s leadership, citing the speed and discipline with which the airline project was executed as evidence of purposeful governance. He also commended the Enugu State team and urged the airline’s management to maintain high standards of safety, compliance, and operational excellence.
In her remarks, Captain Ita expressed gratitude to Governor Mbah for envisioning and supporting Enugu Air, noting that the enabling environment provided by the state government was critical to achieving the record-breaking certification. She also thanked the NCAA for its professionalism and support, reaffirming the airline’s commitment to building a reliable, efficient, and globally competitive carrier focused on passenger safety and service.
The state Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Obi Ozor, emphasized that Enugu Air is a key component of Governor Mbah’s broader transport and logistics transformation agenda. He revealed plans to expand the airline’s fleet to 20 aircraft and commence regional operations by the end of 2026, boosting connectivity between Enugu and key domestic and international markets, while promoting trade, tourism, and investment.
Dr. Ozor also acknowledged the support of XEJet Limited, Enugu Air’s operating partner, for guiding the airline through the demanding certification process. Emmanuel Iza, Group CEO of XEJet Limited, hailed the partnership as a model for successful collaboration between government and the private aviation sector, noting that the milestone underscores the potential of such partnerships in advancing air transport development.
Enugu Air’s Board Chairman, Barrister Ricky Agu, reassured the NCAA that the state government will continue to provide the necessary backing to ensure the airline operates at world-class standards.
The AOC presentation was attended by senior aviation regulators and members of the Enugu State delegation, including the Special Assistant to the Governor on Transport, Iphie Ugonabo, alongside key members of the airline’s management team.