Edo State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China Express Airline Co. Ltd and KDN Aero as it steps up efforts to establish its proposed state-owned carrier, Edo Air.
The agreement, signed by Governor Monday Okpebholo at Government House in Benin City, is intended to provide a framework for technical and operational cooperation towards the airline’s establishment.
Okpebholo expressed confidence in the proposed partnership, saying the state government was satisfied with the capabilities presented by the Chinese aviation team and committed to moving the project forward.
“We have signed the MoU, and this is the first part of it. We will continue to build on it. We have seen your capability, and we are ready to do business with you. By the grace of God, Edo Air will be in the airspace very soon,” the governor said.
The agreement follows a fact-finding visit to China by a seven-member delegation approved by the governor on September 14, 2026, to identify potential technical and operational partners for the proposed airline.
Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, who led the delegation, said the team included the Head of Service, Dr Anthony Okungbowa; the Accountant-General, Julius Anelu; and the state government’s Chief Aviation Consultant, Captain Nuhu Musa, alongside other government officials and aviation experts.
During the visit, the delegation inspected the facilities of China Express Airline and the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), an aircraft manufacturer, to assess their technical capabilities and explore possible areas of collaboration.
Ikhilor said the team was particularly impressed by China Express Airline’s operational infrastructure, including its flight-monitoring and control facilities. He recalled that the delegation visited a control centre where aircraft movements across China were monitored on a large display, with 192 flights recorded by 10 a.m. on the day of the visit.
He said the inspection and discussions with the company’s management strengthened the delegation’s confidence in China Express as a potential partner for Edo Air.
At the signing ceremony, China Express Airline President, Shansheng Li, presented a model aircraft to the governor, while KDN Aero Managing Director, Tianzhi Chen, spoke on behalf of the Chinese delegation and outlined the companies’ operational capabilities and possible areas of cooperation.
The latest agreement builds on earlier efforts by the Edo State Government to secure support for the proposed airline. In January 2026, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, constituted a technical committee to coordinate with the state government on regulatory compliance, operational planning and other requirements for the project.
Okpebholo had previously sought Federal Government assistance for the initiative and disclosed discussions with prospective South African investors over aircraft provision and technical support.
The state government intends for Edo Air to strengthen air connectivity, attract investment and create economic opportunities, with Benin Airport expected to play a central role in its operations.
However, the signing of the MoU represents a step towards establishing the carrier rather than confirmation of an operational launch. Its commencement will depend on further commercial arrangements, aircraft and operational planning, as well as compliance with applicable aviation regulations.
