*Gesture Strengthens Nigeria’s Domestic Aviation Growth
By Sylvia Kodilichukwu, Enugu
African Airlines Association (AFRAA) has admitted Enugu Air as a new entrant, extending the continental body’s membership base in Nigeria’s fast-growing domestic aviation market.
The gesture also reaffirmed AFRAA’s commitment to supporting the continued development of African carriers across the continent.
These were disclosed by AFRAA in Nairobi, Kenya, on Wednesday. The admission makes Enugu Air the 50th member of the association’s airline fraternity, which collectively represents over 85 per cent of total international traffic carried by African airlines.
Founded on 7 July, 2025, Enugu Air commenced commercial operations with a fleet of Embraer E170/E190/E195 aircraft.
The airline, which has its headquarters in Enugu and operates from the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, currently serves nine domestic destinations including Enugu, Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano and Benin City.
Speaking on the occasion of Enugu Air’s admission, AFRAA Secretary General, Mr. Abdérahmane Berthé, said: “We are delighted to welcome Enugu Air into the AFRAA fraternity.
“As a state-backed carrier serving Nigeria’s rapidly expanding domestic market, Enugu Air represents the kind of homegrown investment that is vital to building resilient air connectivity across our continent.
“We look forward to supporting the airline through the IOSA certification process and to its continued growth within the AFRAA membership, as we work together to advance the cause of unified African skies.”
Reacting to the development, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Enugu, Capt Tolu Ita, described the admission into AFRAA as a major milestone in the airline’s short history.
“We are honoured to join the AFRAA fraternity. This membership underscores Enugu Air’s commitment to safe, reliable, and affordable air travel for Nigerians while contributing to the vision of a unified African aviation market.
“We look forward to collaborating with fellow AFRAA members and leveraging the association’s support as we grow our network and pursue IOSA certification.”
As part of the airline’s growth strategy, Enugu Air plans to expand further across Nigeria and, in subsequent phases, to launch regional and international routes across Africa, Europe, and beyond.
The admission of Enugu Air aligns with AFRAA’s strategic priorities and strengthens the voice of the association.
Nigeria, as Africa’s most populous nation and one of its fastest-growing economies, remains central to the realization of a truly integrated African aviation market.
AFRAA, founded in Accra, Ghana, in April 1968, with headquarters in Nairobi, has a mission to promote, serve African airlines and champion the continent’s aviation industry.
The association envisions a sustainable, interconnected and affordable air transport industry in Africa, where its airlines become key players and drivers of Africa’s economic development.
