Nigeria's Enugu State is set to launch its own virtual airline, Enugu Air, in May in partnership with Xejet (4U, Lagos), according to the state commissioner for transportation, Obi Ozor, although insiders believe the date to be ambitious, as regulatory and logistical arrangements still have to be finalised.
Speaking on Afia TV, a southeastern Nigerian television channel, Ozor disclosed that the Enugu carrier intends to launch with three Embraer jets, two E170s and one E190, to serve key Nigerian cities like Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt Awolowo, and Kano.
The plans are then to expand the fleet to more than six aircraft by the end of 2025, with future routes potentially reaching West and Central Africa.
ch-aviation research confirms that moves are afoot to acquire an E190 from a lessor, but arrangements have not been finalised yet.
The two E170s were acquired from Egypt's CIAF Leasing. They are 5N-ENR (msn 17000175), formerly earmarked for Binani Air (BGL, Lagos), and 5N-ENU (msn 17000274), ex-EgyptAir. Following livery painting at Johannesburg O.R. Tambo, they were recently ferried to Nigeria with 5N-ENU currently stationed at Abuja and 5N-ENR at Enugu.
The airline is part of a broader state initiative to attract investment and promote business travel.
Meanwhile, Enugu airport has been closed until May 6 for emergency runway repairs, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) announced on April 18.
Ozor said the airport concessioning process was 70% complete, with full finalisation expected by the second quarter of 2025.
The Federal Ministry of Aviation is leading the concession with private investors. Once completed, the airport will undergo significant upgrades, including completing international and cargo terminals, the establishment of maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities, the construction of aircraft hangars, and a runway extension.
