The African Airlines Association (AFRAA) has admitted Enugu Air as its 50th member, with the body promising to support the carrier in its quest to obtain the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification.

The admission strengthens AFRAA’s presence in Nigeria’s rapidly growing domestic aviation market and indicates the association’s commitment to supporting the development and expansion of African airlines.

Speaking on the admission of the airline into the continental body, AFRAA Secretary General, Abdérahmane Berthe, said the airline represented the type of indigenous investment needed to strengthen air connectivity and build a resilient aviation industry across Africa.

Berthe, at the weekend, assured AFRAA would support Enugu Air through the IOSA certification process as the carrier expanded its operations.

He said: “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.”

AFRAA said the admission of Enugu Air was consistent with its strategic priorities of strengthening African airlines and promoting greater connectivity across the continent.

Also, the Chief Executive Officer of Enugu Air, Tolu Ita, described the airline’s admission into AFRAA as a successful feat.

Ita said this demonstrated the carrier’s commitment to safety, reliability and affordable air transportation.
She assured that the airline would leverage AFRAA’s expertise and network as it expanded its operations and worked towards IOSA certification.

She said: “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.”

Enugu Air, headquartered in Enugu and operating from the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, commenced commercial operations on July 7, 2025, with a fleet of Embraer E170, E190 and E195 aircraft.

The airline currently operates on six domestic routes, including services to Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt and Benin City.