New Nigerian Airline Set to Launch With Four Embraer E190 Aircraft

A newly-formed carrier, K‑Impex Airline Limited, is set to begin operations after acquiring four Embraer E190 jets as it finalizes its certification with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

The Abuja-based company which began in 2021 as a cargo and import/export outfit made the decision to expand into passenger aviation and purchased the jets outright to avoid lease-related capital flight. Each aircraft has a capacity of 98 passengers (90 economy and 8 business class), optimized for domestic and regional routes through their fuel-efficient performance.

According to the airline’s Managing Director, Dr. Abel Ozigi, the move is aimed at servicing over 40 destinations including smaller cities and airstrips often underserved by existing airlines. Once it obtains its Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC), K-Impex plans to combine light maintenance capabilities using existing in-country MRO (Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul) facilities.

K-Impex’s Chairman, Nasiru Ado Bayero, described the acquisition as a “takeoff with a bang,” expressing optimism that the new airline will boost connectivity, open up new travel options particularly to underserved regions and stimulate healthy competition in Nigeria’s aviation market.

Oshuniran Sheriff Ola