Enugu Air secures Air Operator Certificate for independent commercial operations

Enugu Air, a Nigeria-based state-backed carrier, has received an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), officially authorising the airline to begin independent commercial flight operations, according to AeroMorning.

The certificate, presented on 10 March 2026 at NCAA headquarters in Abuja, marks completion of the carrier's regulatory certification process and permits operation of scheduled passenger services under its own operational authority.

The AOC issuance followed several months of regulatory evaluation and operational demonstrations conducted by NCAA inspectors, ensuring Enugu Air met all safety, technical, and operational standards required for commercial aviation in Nigeria.

NCAA officials stated the certification represents a significant step in strengthening Nigeria's domestic aviation sector and improving air connectivity, particularly in the southeastern region.

The airline is fully owned by Enugu State Government, which launched the project as part of a broader strategy to transform the region into a logistics, commerce, and aviation hub.

Before obtaining its own certificate, Enugu Air operated through a technical and operational partnership with Nigerian carrier XE Jet, which provided necessary operational structure whilst the new airline completed its certification process.

Enugu Air currently operates a fleet of six aircraft from the Embraer E-Jet family, including Embraer E170, E190, and E195 models.

Three aircraft had previously been operating under XE Jet's structure, whilst additional E195 jets were added in early 2026 as part of the airline's expansion plan.

The airline intends to expand its fleet to around 20 aircraft by the end of 2026, supporting both domestic growth and regional expansion across West Africa.

Enugu Air plans to operate domestic services connecting several major Nigerian cities, including Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, Port Harcourt, Owerri, Benin City, and Warri.

Officials have indicated the airline intends to launch regional flights before the end of 2026, expanding beyond domestic services as its fleet grows.

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