The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has granted interim approval to state-owned carrier, Enugu Air, to commence commercial flight operations via a strategic operational partnership with XEJET, marking a significant step forward for regional aviation development in Nigeria’s Southeast.
In a statement released on Monday, July 8, 2025, NCAA spokesperson Michael Achimugu confirmed that Enugu Air has formally designated XEJET as its interim operational partner. The approval, which paves the way for Enugu Air’s long-anticipated launch, comes as the airline awaits full completion of its own Air Operator Certificate (AOC) under NCAA’s stringent five-phase certification process.
According to NCAA, XEJET has already undergone a full variation process to integrate the Embraer 170 (EMB 170) aircraft into its Operations Specifications (OpsSpecs), a critical requirement for operating Enugu Air’s initial fleet. This development enables XEJET to conduct scheduled commercial flights on behalf of Enugu Air in compliance with all regulatory guidelines and safety protocols.
“With this partnership, XEJET is duly authorised to operate scheduled commercial flights on behalf of Enugu Air under current NCAA regulations,” the statement read.
Flight operations through this arrangement will commence at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, and are expected to improve domestic connectivity in and out of the South-East region. The move also boosts confidence among air travelers in the zone who have long awaited the operationalisation of a state-backed airline.
Ticket reservations and flight bookings for Enugu Air will now be processed through XEJET’s platform, with access enabled via a redirect on the official Enugu Air website. This integrated setup ensures a seamless travel experience for passengers, while allowing the airline to build its brand identity and operational capacity under the regulatory shelter of a certified operator
The aviation regulator reiterated its commitment to supporting indigenous airlines, especially new entrants like Enugu Air, in line with federal government goals to enhance economic participation, improve air travel access, and promote regional development.
“We are committed to enabling a supportive regulatory environment for indigenous carriers, ensuring fair competition, and upholding the highest standards of safety, security and consumer protection,” NCAA noted.
This move aligns with the government’s broader aviation sector reforms, including airport upgrades, fleet renewal policies, and incentives for state-supported aviation initiatives. The temporary partnership model has also been used in the past as a transitional mechanism to fast-track market entry while preserving regulatory oversight.
Enugu Air was formally inaugurated in April 2025 by Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who charged the airline’s management to uphold professionalism, safety, and service delivery. The launch was seen as a bold effort by the Enugu State Government to enhance air connectivity, create jobs, and stimulate tourism and investment across the South-East.
The partnership with XEJET—an emerging hybrid carrier offering business-class service on regional routes—ensures that Enugu Air can commence limited operations while finalising its certification processes.
Analysts view the NCAA’s approval as a positive signal for new entrants in Nigeria’s aviation space, which has seen significant challenges in recent years ranging from forex instability and fuel scarcity to capacity gaps.
“This is a pragmatic solution,” said aviation consultant Oluwaseun Ajayi. “It allows new airlines to learn and adapt under a certified carrier, reduces financial exposure, and builds consumer trust early.”
With the NCAA’s oversight, both XEJET and Enugu Air are expected to ensure compliance with flight safety standards, passenger rights, and operational reliability.
Looking ahead, Enugu Air’s standalone certification could be finalized within the next year, provided all requirements are met. Until then, the interim operations under XEJET offer a promising start for the Enugu State-backed carrier.