Okpebholo Signs MoU With Chinese Firms To Establish Edo-Owned Airline

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China Express Airline Co. Ltd and KDN Aero to facilitate the establishment of a state-owned airline, Edo Air.

The agreement was signed at the Government House in Benin City following a presentation by the Chinese aviation firm on its operational capacity, technical expertise and readiness to partner with the state government.

Speaking at the event, Okpebholo expressed optimism that the proposed airline would commence operations soon, describing the MoU as the first step towards a long-term partnership.

The governor said his administration was satisfied with the capabilities of the prospective partners and was committed to moving forward with the arrangement.

He said, “We have signed the MoU, and this is the first part of it. We will continue to build on it. We have seen your capability, and we are ready to do business with you. By the grace of God, Edo Air will be in the airspace very soon.”

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Musa Ikhilor, disclosed that the agreement followed a fact-finding mission to China by a seven-man delegation on September 14, 2026, to identify suitable technical and operational partners for the proposed airline.

Ikhilor, who led the delegation, said the visit was approved by the governor and involved the Head of Service, Dr Anthony Okungbowa; Accountant-General, Julius Anelu; Chief Aviation Consultant to the state government, Captain Nuhu Musa, and other government officials and aviation experts.

He explained that the delegation visited China Express Airline and the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), where it assessed their operational capabilities and explored possible areas of collaboration.

According to him, China Express Airline emerged as the preferred partner following an inspection of its facilities and flight-monitoring operations.

He particularly highlighted the airline’s flight-monitoring centre, which featured a large screen tracking flights across China, with 192 flights recorded by 10 a.m. on the day of the visit.

The SSG said the delegation’s assessment of the airline’s facilities and engagements with its management strengthened the state’s confidence in the company as a suitable technical and operational partner.

He expressed optimism that the agreement and subsequent engagements would translate into concrete steps towards actualising Edo Air.

At the event, the President of China Express Airline, Shansheng Li, presented a model aircraft to the governor, while the Managing Director of KDN Aero, Tianzhi Chen, delivered a presentation on behalf of the Chinese delegation, highlighting the airline’s operations and technical capabilities.

The Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa; Chief of Staff, Yakubu Musa; Commissioner for Finance, Emmanuel Okoebor; and other top government officials attended the signing ceremony.