Enugu Air joins AFRAA as its 50th member, strengthening Nigeria’s domestic aviation sector and supporting plans for regional expansion.
Enugu Air has joined the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) as its 50th member, strengthening Nigeria’s representation within the continent’s leading airline association.
AFRAA announced the admission in Nairobi on Wednesday, describing the development as another step towards strengthening African air connectivity and supporting the growth of homegrown carriers. The association said its members collectively account for more than 85 per cent of international traffic carried by African airlines.
AFRAA Secretary General, Abdérahmane Berthé, welcomed the airline into the association and described its emergence as an important example of local investment in Africa’s aviation sector. He said Enugu Air’s state-backed model could contribute to stronger domestic connectivity while supporting the development of a more integrated African aviation market.
“We are delighted to welcome Enugu Air into the AFRAA fraternity.”
Berthé added that AFRAA would support the airline through its planned IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification process. He said the association looked forward to working with Enugu Air as it expands its operations and contributes to the broader goal of achieving unified African skies.
Reacting to the development, Enugu Air CEO, Capt. Tolu Ita, described the admission as a significant milestone for the relatively young airline Ita said the membership reinforced the carrier’s commitment to providing safe, reliable and affordable air transportation to Nigerians.
“We are honoured to join the AFRAA fraternity.”
According to him, the airline also looks forward to collaborating with other AFRAA members while benefiting from the association’s support as it expands its network and works towards IOSA certification.
Enugu Air was founded on July 7, 2025, and began commercial operations using Embraer E170, E190 and E195 aircraft. The airline is headquartered in Enugu and operates from Akanu Ibiam International Airport. It currently serves nine domestic destinations, including Enugu, Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano and Benin City.
The carrier plans to expand its domestic network before moving into regional and international markets. Its longer-term expansion plans include routes across Africa, Europe and other international destinations.
The admission further strengthens Nigeria’s position within AFRAA, particularly given the country’s population and expanding aviation market. AFRAA said Nigeria remains central to efforts to create a genuinely integrated African aviation industry.
The association was founded in Accra, Ghana, in April 1968, and is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya. Its mission is to promote and serve African airlines while championing the development of the continent’s aviation industry.
AFRAA envisions a sustainable, interconnected and affordable African air transport sector in which local airlines play a greater role in driving economic development. With Enugu Air’s admission, the association’s membership now stands at 50 airlines, further expanding the collective voice of African carriers and strengthening cooperation within the continent’s aviation industry.
