BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
To prove its readiness and willingness to advance Nigeria’s aviation sector and accelerate the emergence of homegrown carriers, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has approved the commencement of flight operations for Enugu Air, the country’s newest airline.
The regulatory nod comes through a collaborative arrangement with XEJET, allowing Enugu Air to begin commercial operations while its own Air Operator Certificate (AOC) process is being finalised.
The decision, stakeholders note, reflects the vision of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo’s 5-Point Agenda, which emphasises the empowerment of local airlines, the simplification of operational procedures and the transformation of regulatory frameworks to boost investor confidence and drive sectoral reform.
In a statement issued by Mr. Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, the authority explained that the interim operational arrangement permits Enugu Air to leverage XEJET’s fully certified operational framework.
XEJET recently completed a full variation process under NCAA’s stringent five-phase certification system, successfully adding the Embraer 170 aircraft to its Operations Specifications (OpsSpecs).
“The variation authorises XEJET to conduct scheduled commercial flights on behalf of Enugu Air in full compliance with all NCAA regulatory requirements,” the statement confirmed.
This operational collaboration enables Enugu Air to enter the market promptly without compromising regulatory standards. In the meantime, prospective passengers can seamlessly book flights via XEJET’s reservation system, accessible through a redirect on the official Enugu Air website.
The NCAA reiterated its unwavering commitment to fostering a dynamic, secure, and competitive aviation landscape that prioritises indigenous participation, consumer rights, and the highest standards of safety.
Aviation industry players, while hailing the new development, encouraged the NCAA to continually maintain regulatory flexibility and strategic partnerships in nurturing sustainable airline growth and enhancing connectivity across the country.
