The launch of Enugu Air, a state-owned airline Monday, has not been without confusion among Nigerian air travelers over the status of its ownership, bringing old memories of the Nigeria Air that was fraudulently launched by ex-Aviation Minister, Hadi Sirika in 2023, but failed to take to flight. This time, Nigerians are posing the probing question: is it ‘Enugu Air or XEJet’?
Enugu Governor, Peter Mbah had on Monday unveiled Enugu Air at Akanu Ibiam International Airport. He branded the state-owned airline as a transformative step for regional connectivity and economic growth.
Mbah also described Enugu Air as a game-changer, designed to connect Enugu to major Nigerian cities like Lagos, Abuja, and Kano, with plans for international routes to China, Europe, and the United States.
The launch event, attended by dignitaries including the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo, was marked by fanfare.
However, the launch has been overshadowed by confusion as many have begun to question whether the airline is operated by ‘Enugu Air or XEJet’.
Also many demand to know whether the airline is truly a state-owned venture or merely a rebranded operation of XEJet, a private Nigerian aviation company.
The controversy, which trended under the hashtag ‘Enugu Air or XEJet’, surfaced after checks revealed that the airline lacks its own booking platform.
The official website of Enugu Air redirected customers to XEJet’s website, raising questions about its operational independence.
This becomes clear when potential travellers click on a ‘Book Now’ button on the homepage to book a ticket.
“This flight is operated by Xejet and you would be redirected to the XeJet Website to complete your booking,” the prompt reads.
From there on, it leads to XEJet’s full page, where it advertises its travel packages.
The Enugu Air controversy comes after the Nigeria Air controversy which centered on the failed launch of a national carrier announced by the Nigerian government under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Unveiled at the Farnborough Air Show in July 2018 by Sirika, the project aimed to establish a modern airline to replace the defunct Nigeria Airways, which collapsed in 2003 due to mismanagement, corruption, and debts exceeding $528 million.
In May 2023, just days before Buhari’s administration ended, Nigeria Air was unveiled with a Boeing 737-800 aircraft at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
However, it was revealed that the plane was a chartered Ethiopian Airlines aircraft, painted in Nigeria Air colors, and returned to Addis Ababa shortly after the event.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), reacting to the controversy, confirmed that it has granted interim authorisation for Enugu Air to commence domestic flight operations through a partnership with XEJet.
NCAA said the authorisation was to allow Enugu Air to begin operations pending the completion of its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) process.
The disclosure was contained in a statement signed by the NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu.
According to the statement, the approval allows Enugu Air to launch flight services using XEJet’s operational framework and aircraft.
The statement reads in part: “The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) approves the commencement of domestic flight operations by Enugu Air, in line with the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development’s 5-Point Agenda aimed at promoting the growth of indigenous airlines, the DGCAs mantra enhancing ease of doing business, and deepening sectoral reforms.
“Enugu Air has designated XEJET as its operational partner pending the conclusion of its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) process.”
