The Edo State Government has taken a major step towards establishing its own airline, Edo Air, following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China Express Airlines and KDN Aero for the proposed state-owned carrier.
The agreement, which will pave the way for the establishment of Edo Air, is expected to see the airline operate aircraft manufactured by China’s Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC).
Governor Monday Okpebholo described the initiative as a strategic investment in the state’s economic development, stressing that the proposed airline would deliver benefits beyond air transportation.
According to the governor, the project is designed to create employment opportunities, stimulate tourism, attract investments, expand business activities and improve access to air travel for residents of the state.
“This initiative is more than owning an airline; it is about job creation, boosting tourism, attracting investment, expanding business opportunities and making air travel more accessible for Edo people,” Okpebholo said.
The proposed airline is expected to strengthen Edo State’s aviation connectivity while providing new opportunities for businesses, investors and the tourism industry.
The partnership with China Express Airlines and KDN Aero also signals the state government’s interest in exploring international aviation partnerships and introducing COMAC aircraft into its proposed airline operations.
Although details of the airline’s proposed launch date, route network, fleet size and operational structure are yet to be announced, the signing of the MoU represents an important step towards bringing Edo Air into operation.
If realised, Edo Air would add Edo State to the growing list of Nigerian states seeking to establish or participate in airline operations as part of broader efforts to improve connectivity, stimulate economic activities and position their destinations for investment and tourism growth.
