LAGOS — Enugu Air has joined the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) as its 50th member, a move expected to strengthen the Nigerian carrier’s growth prospects while further expanding AFRAA’s footprint in the country’s domestic aviation sector.

AFRAA announced the admission on Wednesday in Nairobi, describing Enugu Air’s membership as an important addition to its airline fraternity, whose members collectively account for more than 85 per cent of international traffic carried by African airlines.

AFRAA Secretary General Abdérahmane Berthé said the association was pleased to welcome the Nigerian carrier and expressed its readiness to support Enugu Air’s development.

“We are delighted to welcome Enugu Air into the AFRAA fraternity,” he said.

Berthé described the state-backed airline as an example of the type of local investment needed to strengthen air connectivity across Africa.

“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,” he said.

He added that AFRAA would support Enugu Air through the IOSA certification process and its development within the association.

“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,” Berthé said.

Airline targets expansion

Enugu Air CEO Capt. Tolu Ita described the AFRAA membership as a significant achievement for the relatively young airline.

“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,” Ita said.

He said the airline would work with other AFRAA members and use the association’s support as it expands its network and pursues IOSA certification.

“We look forward to collaborating with fellow AFRAA members and leveraging the association’s support as we grow our network and pursue IOSA certification,” he said.

Founded on July 7, 2025, Enugu Air began commercial operations with Embraer E170/E190/E195 aircraft.

The airline is headquartered in Enugu and operates from Akanu Ibiam International Airport. It currently flies to nine domestic destinations, including Enugu, Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano and Benin City.

Its expansion plan includes increasing its domestic network before moving into regional and international operations across Africa, Europe and other destinations.

AFRAA said Enugu Air’s admission is consistent with its strategic priorities and strengthens the association’s representation in Nigeria.

The association noted that Nigeria’s position as Africa’s most populous country and one of its fastest-growing economies makes it an important market in efforts to develop a truly integrated African aviation sector.

AFRAA seeks unified African skies

AFRAA was founded in Accra, Ghana, in April 1968 and is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya.

Its mission is to promote and serve African airlines and champion the continent’s aviation industry, with a vision of creating a sustainable, interconnected and affordable air transport system.

The association’s membership spans Africa and includes major intercontinental operators. Collectively, its members account for more than 85 per cent of the total international traffic carried by African airlines.

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