The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) has admitted Enugu Air as its 50th member, strengthening the representation of Nigeria’s growing domestic aviation market within the continental industry body and giving the young carrier a platform to support its planned expansion across Africa and beyond.
AFRAA announced the admission in Nairobi, saying the membership reflects the importance of strengthening African airlines and building more integrated air connectivity across the continent. The association’s members collectively account for more than 85 per cent of international traffic carried by African airlines.
Founded on July 7, 2025, Enugu Air is headquartered in Enugu and operates from Akanu Ibiam International Airport with a fleet of Embraer E170, E190 and E195 aircraft. The airline currently serves several major Nigerian cities, including Enugu, Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano and Benin City, as it works to expand its domestic footprint.
The carrier also plans to extend its network to regional and international destinations across Africa, Europe and other markets as its operations mature.
AFRAA Secretary-General, Abdérahmane Berthé, welcomed Enugu Air’s admission, describing the state-backed carrier as an example of the homegrown investment needed to build stronger and more resilient African air connectivity.
“We are delighted to welcome Enugu Air into the AFRAA fraternity. 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,” Berthé said.
He added that AFRAA would support the airline through the International Air Transport Association Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification process and its continued growth, while advancing the association’s objective of achieving more integrated African skies.
For Enugu Air, the membership provides an opportunity to deepen collaboration with other African carriers and benefit from the technical and industry support available through AFRAA.
The airline’s Chief Executive Officer, Capt. Tolu Ita, described the admission as a significant milestone for the carrier, saying it reinforces its commitment to safe, reliable and affordable air transport.
“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 added that the airline would work with fellow AFRAA members and leverage the association’s support as it expands its network and pursues IOSA certification.
The admission comes as Nigeria remains a key market in efforts to deepen intra-African connectivity. With one of the continent’s largest populations and a significant domestic aviation market, stronger Nigerian airline participation in continental aviation initiatives could support the development of more efficient regional connections.
For Enugu Air, its AFRAA membership also comes at an early stage of its development, with the carrier seeking to establish a stronger presence in Nigeria before moving into regional and international markets.
AFRAA, which was established in Accra, Ghana, in 1968 and is headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, promotes the interests of African airlines and advocates for a sustainable, interconnected and affordable African air transport industry.
The association’s latest membership expansion therefore brings Enugu Air into a continental network of carriers at a time when the airline is positioning itself for its next phase of growth.
