The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) has admitted Enugu Air as its 50th member, strengthening Nigeria’s representation within the continental aviation body and supporting the expansion of the country’s domestic air transport market.
AFRAA announced the admission in Nairobi on Wednesday, saying the development further reinforces its commitment to supporting African airlines and improving connectivity across the continent. The association’s member airlines collectively account for more than 85 per cent of international traffic carried by African airlines.
AFRAA Secretary General, Mr. Abdérahmane Berthé, welcomed the Nigerian carrier into the association and highlighted its potential contribution to African aviation.
“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.
“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.”
Reacting to the development, the CEO of Enugu Air, Capt Tolu Ita, described the membership as a major milestone for the airline, which began operations relatively recently.
“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,” Tolu stated.
Founded on July 7, 2025, Enugu Air AFRAA membership comes as the carrier continues to develop its domestic network. The airline operates Embraer E170/E190/E195 aircraft and is headquartered in Enugu.
It operates from Akanu Ibiam International Airport and currently serves nine domestic destinations, including Enugu, Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano and Benin City. The airline plans to expand its network further across Nigeria before subsequently introducing regional and international routes connecting destinations across Africa, Europe and beyond.
AFRAA said the admission aligns with its strategic priorities, particularly given Nigeria’s position as Africa’s most populous country and one of the continent’s fastest-growing economies. Increased participation by Nigerian carriers is expected to strengthen the country’s contribution to efforts towards an integrated African aviation market.
Founded in Accra, Ghana, in April 1968 and headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya, AFRAA’s mission is to promote and serve African airlines while championing the continent’s aviation industry.
The association envisions a sustainable, interconnected and affordable African air transport industry in which African airlines play a central role in economic development. Its membership spans the continent and includes major intercontinental African operators, collectively representing more than 85 per cent of international traffic carried by African airlines.
