Enugu Air To Launch With E170s Operated By XE Jet
A new regional airline is preparing for takeoff in Nigeria. Enugu Air, backed by the Enugu State government, will enter the market using Embraer E170 aircraft, with services to be operated by local carrier XE Jet.
Fleet Details
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Aircraft: 2× Embraer E170
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Leased from: CIAF Leasing (Egypt)
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Seating: 76-seat configuration
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Planned additions: 1× Embraer E190 (100 seats), plus 3 more aircraft later in 2025
The two E170s have already been delivered to Nigeria, with an E190 expected to follow before launch. According to Enugu State transportation commissioner Obi Ozor, these initial aircraft will form the core of the startup’s fleet, with more planes planned as the operation scales up.
Operational Model
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Operator: XE Jet (operating partner)
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Current XE Jet fleet: CRJ200s and ERJ145s
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Initial network:
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Abuja (ABV)
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Lagos (LOS)
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Port Harcourt (PHC)
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Enugu Air is part of a public sector effort to improve air connectivity for southeastern Nigeria, which officials say remains underserved. The plan is for domestic operations to begin first, with the goal of better linking Enugu to the nation’s key political and economic hubs.
Enugu Air has not yet released a formal launch date, but with aircraft already on the ground and partnerships in place, operations are expected to begin later in 2025.
