China-Enugu Cargo Flights To Begin Before Year-End, Says Keyamo

Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has announced that the Federal Government is working towards launching direct cargo flight operations between China and Enugu before the end of the year.

Keyamo disclosed this on Thursday during the unveiling of two Boeing 737-800 aircraft acquired by United Nigeria Airlines, stating that negotiations were ongoing with stakeholders to establish the new route.

According to the minister, the planned Guangzhou-China to Enugu cargo service would provide a major boost to trade activities in the South-east by allowing merchants to consolidate goods in China and transport them directly to Nigeria.

“Just two days ago, the Enugu governor and I were actively negotiating the first direct cargo flight from Guangzhou, China, straight into Enugu. We are targeting December for the maiden flight,” Keyamo said.

He explained that the initiative would enable traders to move goods more efficiently to commercial centres such as Onitsha and Aba, reducing logistics challenges associated with importing merchandise.

Keyamo also said the Enugu International Airport was being repositioned as a major cargo hub for the South-east through a new framework involving private-sector participation.

He noted that President Bola Tinubu had approved the move to allow private investors to manage the airport in collaboration with the state government to maximise its economic potential.

“As I speak with you, Enugu airport is now fully privately owned and run under the direction of the state government, with the clear objective of turning it into a dedicated cargo hub for the entire South-east,” the minister stated.

Abia Airport Project Progresses

The aviation minister further disclosed that construction work on the runway of the Abia State International Airport in Umuahia had reached an advanced stage.

He said the project, which initially started as an airstrip, was upgraded into a full international airport following federal approval and additional funding commitments from the Abia State Government.

Keyamo commended Governor Alex Otti for providing counterpart funding to accelerate the development of the airport, noting that the state’s financial contribution had helped to speed up construction.

Governor Otti, according to the minister, expressed optimism that United Nigeria Airlines would establish a major operational base at the airport when completed.

Government Supports Domestic Airlines

Keyamo also announced measures aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s domestic aviation sector, including expanding international route opportunities for local airlines.

He said United Nigeria Airlines had been granted access to operate reciprocal routes to destinations such as New York, Canada and Dubai, adding that the airline was currently working to acquire the necessary aircraft.

The minister further revealed that the Federal Government had approved the establishment of the Nigerian Aircraft Leasing Company to help local airlines overcome challenges associated with aircraft acquisition.

He explained that the company would provide aircraft through government-backed leasing arrangements, which would then be made available to Nigerian airlines under private dry-lease agreements.

According to Keyamo, the initiative is part of broader efforts to improve the capacity of domestic carriers and strengthen Nigeria’s position in international aviation.