Enugu Air Secures Air Operator Certificate in Record Time

Enugu Air has received its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), marking a significant milestone in the Enugu State Government’s bid to establish the state as a hub for commerce, logistics, and aviation in West and Central Africa.

The certificate was presented on Tuesday to the airline’s Accountable Manager and Chief Executive Officer, Captain Tolu Ita, at the NCAA headquarters in Abuja.

Speaking at the event, the Director General of the NCAA, Captain Chris Najomo, described the achievement as historic, noting that Enugu Air completed the rigorous certification process in just five months and three weeks. This is considerably faster than the typical industry timeline, which ranges from 15 to 24 months.

Najomo also observed that the fully state-owned airline distinguished itself by commencing operations with a complete fleet of six aircraft, a rare feat for a newly certified carrier in Nigeria.

He stated that the certification process involved thorough evaluations across multiple NCAA departments and confirmed that Enugu Air had met all regulatory requirements, demonstrating full compliance with the nation’s aviation safety and operational standards.

The Director General commended Governor Peter Mbah for his vision and leadership, describing the speed and discipline with which the airline project was executed as evidence of purposeful governance. He also acknowledged the dedication of the Enugu State team and urged the airline’s management to continue upholding the highest standards of safety, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence.

In her remarks, Captain Tolu expressed gratitude to Governor Mbah for his vision and for creating an enabling environment that made the record-breaking certification possible. She also thanked the NCAA for the professionalism and support shown throughout the process and reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to building a reliable, efficient, and globally competitive carrier.

The Commissioner for Transportation in Enugu State, Dr. Obi Ozor, described Enugu Air as a strategic component of Governor Mbah’s broader transport and logistics transformation agenda. He said the airline is expected to unlock economic opportunities across the state, the wider South-East region, and the African continent.