Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah has announced that Enugu Air, the newly launched state-owned airline, will operate as a strategic hub aimed at connecting countries beyond its base in Enugu.

He made the announcement on Monday during the airline’s maiden flight ceremony at Akanu Ibiam International Airport.

Addressing guests at the event, Governor Mbah described Enugu Air as more than a domestic carrier, highlighting its role in a broader vision to transform Enugu into a key aviation gateway for the South-East and a vital link between Nigeria and the international community.

“Our goal is to make Enugu a connecting hub for travellers across Africa and internationally. Enugu Air will not only facilitate domestic travel but also serve as a critical link that connects countries to our base here in Enugu, boosting tourism, trade, and economic growth,” Mbah said.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who officially flagged off the maiden flight, hailed the launch of Enugu Air as a pioneering initiative that underscores the impact of visionary leadership at the sub-national level.

Speaking alongside top officials from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency, Keyamo applauded the Enugu State Government for prioritising critical infrastructure.

He noted that such investments not only strengthen regional economic integration but also advance Nigeria’s positioning as a growing hub in the global aviation landscape.

He said, “This launch is more than symbolic. It shows how a state government can lead with vision and build the kind of infrastructure that connects Nigeria internally and externally.”

Enugu Air, operated by Xejet, is set to commence with domestic routes, with plans to quickly scale up to regional and international destinations, according to Governor Peter Mbah.

It was reported that the airline’s operations are backed by a public-private partnership designed to ensure safety, high-quality service, and long-term sustainability.

While full details of the partnership remain undisclosed, the Federal Ministry of Aviation has expressed strong support for the initiative, pledging to maintain a regulatory framework that aligns with global standards and fosters innovation across the industry.

Meanwhile, the NCAA has granted approval for Enugu Air to commence domestic operations through a temporary partnership with XEJET, pending the completion of its Air Operator Certificate process.

The regulatory approval aligns with the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development’s 5-Point Agenda, which emphasizes the expansion of indigenous airlines