Okpebholo Signs MoU for Launch of Edo State-Owned Airline

Edo State has taken a major step towards establishing its own state owned airline ‘Edo Air’, with Governor Monday Okpebholo signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China Express Airline Co. Ltd and KDN Aero. The agreement was signed at Government House in Benin City aimed to establish technical and operational support between the parties.

Governor’s commitment

"The Memorandum of Understanding marks the beginning of our alliance with them. We are very pleased with the technical and operational capacity of our partners from China. We know Edo Air will commence very soon but we will still work to further strengthen the agreement," said Governor Okpebholo.

Partnership comes after successful trip

The Memorandum of Understanding was signed following a 7-member fact finding mission to China on September 14, 2026 approved by the Governor. The mission was led by the Head of Service Dr Anthony Okungbowa, Accountant-General Julius Anelu and the State Chief Aviation Consultant Captain Nuhu Musa. Other officials and aviation professionals also travelled on the trip.

They visited China Express Airlines and the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC). During the trip they were very impressed with China Express Airlines and their flight tracking centre. They had a huge screen which showed all their flights across the country. By 10am they had already recorded 192 flights.

Edo Air to become a reality

The Memorandum of Understanding and subsequent meetings are expected to lead to tangible actions for the set up of Edo Air. This will make improvements to air transport in the state, supporting tourism and investments in the region. It will also create employment opportunities. Edo Air will help to further establish Edo State as an economic and aviation hub.

China Express Airline President Shansheng Li handed over a model plane to Governor Okpebholo during the ceremony. KDN Aero Managing Director Tianzhi Chen presented a presentation on how the airline operates. Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa, SSG, Head of Service, Chief of Staff, Commissioner for Finance and other high level officials were all present.

Although there has been an agreement there was no mention of when Edo Air will start up. There was no information given about how many planes they will have, what routes they will operate on, what ownership they will have and how much the partners are investing. Edo Air will only get off the ground once they have come to an agreement with the partners and complied with the relevant aviation regulations.

Source:leadership.ng

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