At last, Enugu Air granted AOC by NCAA

This is a significant milestone for the Nigerian aviation landscape as the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) officially presented the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) to Enugu Air on Tuesday at its headquarters in Abuja.

The certification marks the transition of Enugu Air from an airline operating through a partnership (previously with XE Jet) to a fully independent, certified carrier.

The NCAA Director General, Captain Chris Najomo, noted that the airline completed the certification process in just five months and three weeks. This is remarkably fast, considering the typical industry timeline of 15 to 24 months.

Unlike many startups that begin with the bare minimum, Enugu Air has been certified to commence operations with a fleet of six aircraft (a mix of Embraer E170, E190, and E195 models).

The certificate was received by the airline’s Accountable Manager/CEO, Capt Tolu Ita. With the AOC secured, Governor Peter Mbah’s administration is now targeting an expansion of the fleet to 20 aircraft by the end of 2026 and the commencement of regional African flights before the year runs out.

Speaking at the presentation,  Najomo described the development as another milestone, noting that the authority has been working to make the process more efficient while ensuring operators meet all required benchmarks.

While commending the airline for successfully completing the certification process, he urged it to continue ensuring compliance with safety and operational standards.

He also commended the NCAA technical teams and the airline’s management for their dedication throughout the certification process, which involved operational demonstrations, documentation reviews and multiple evaluation stages.

Responding on behalf of the airline, Capt.  Ita described the certification as a dream come true, expressing gratitude to the NCAA for its guidance and oversight throughout the painstaking process.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Transportation, Enugu State, Dr Obi Ozor, stated the airline project was envisioned to strengthen connectivity for businesses and travellers.

The Board Chairman of Enugu Air, Mr Richard Agu, assured the NCAA that the airline would not rest on its laurels in maintaining aviation regulations and safety standards, emphasising the importance of sustaining the operational standards required to retain certification.

The event was attended by members of the Enugu Air management team, including Ita Ozor, Commissioner for Transportation, Enugu State, and Richard Agu, Board Chairman of Enugu Air, as well as other members of the airline’s team.

Officials of the NCAA present at the ceremony included Engr. Balang Godwin, Director of Airworthiness Standards; Capt. Donald Spiff, Director of Licensing and Training Standards; Mrs Babaoye‑Iriobe Olayinka, Director of Air Transport Regulation; Mr Olufemi Odukoya, Director of Finance and Accounts; as well as other staff of the Authority.

Wole Shadare