African Airlines Association (AFRAA) has admitted Enugu Air as its 50th member, a development expected to strengthen the airline’s growth plans and further expand the association’s presence in Nigeria’s domestic aviation market.
AFRAA said the admission of Enugu Air reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the development of African carriers and strengthening air connectivity across the continent.
Enugu Air, which has its headquarters in Enugu and operates from the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, commenced commercial operations on July 7, 2025.
The airline operates a fleet of Embraer E170, E190 and E195 aircraft and currently serves six domestic destinations, including Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt and Benin City.
The carrier plans to expand its domestic operations across Nigeria before launching regional and international routes across Africa, Europe and other destinations in subsequent phases.
AFRAA Secretary-General, Mr Abdérahmane Berthé, said the association was delighted to welcome the state-backed carrier into its membership.
“We are delighted to welcome Enugu Air into the AFRAA fraternity,” Berthé said.
“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.
“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.”
The International Air Transport Association Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) is a globally recognised safety evaluation system designed to assess airlines’ operational management and control systems.
Capt. Tolu Ita, who spoke on behalf of Enugu Air, said the membership demonstrated the airline’s commitment to safe, reliable and affordable air transportation.
“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.
“We look forward to collaborating with fellow AFRAA members and leveraging the Association’s support as we grow our network and pursue IOSA certification,” Ita said.
The association said Enugu Air’s admission aligned with its strategic priorities and would strengthen its collective voice in advancing the interests of African airlines.
It noted that Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country and one of the continent’s largest economies, remained central to efforts to build a more integrated African aviation market.
The admission is also expected to provide Enugu Air with greater opportunities for engagement and collaboration with other African carriers as it pursues its expansion strategy.
AFRAA, which represents African airlines and promotes cooperation, development and advocacy within the continent’s aviation industry, said its members collectively account for more than 85 per cent of total international traffic carried by African airlines.
With Enugu Air becoming its 50th member, the association said it would continue to pursue initiatives aimed at strengthening African air transport, improving connectivity and advancing the vision of a unified African aviation market.
The development comes as African airlines and governments intensify efforts to improve intra-African connectivity, lower barriers to air travel and support the growth of homegrown carriers.
For Enugu Air, the AFRAA membership is expected to support its efforts to build operational capacity, expand its route network and meet internationally recognised aviation safety standards as it prepares for the next phase of its growth.
