In a landmark development for Nigeria’s aviation sector, XEJet launched its first scheduled flight between Abuja and Lagos, marking the airline’s shift from non-scheduled to scheduled services.

Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace, commended XEJet’s expansion efforts, calling the maiden flight an “important moment for Nigerian aviation.”

During XEJet’s inaugural flight to Lagos, Keyamo expressed his excitement about the airline’s commitment to expanding Nigeria’s air connectivity.

“This successful journey reflects our commitment to fostering growth and excellence in aviation, an industry vital to our nation’s connectivity, commerce, and prosperity,” he stated.

Keyamo emphasized the Ministry of Aviation’s dedication to creating a supportive environment for airlines like XEJet to operate efficiently.

“Today’s flight from Abuja to Lagos signifies more than just the beginning of a new airline; it is a testament to the strength and resilience of Nigerian aviation, as well as the new opportunities ahead,” he said.

Emmanuel Iza, XEJet’s CEO and founder, shared the airline’s vision for the Nigerian market, saying: “XEJet is a premium class airline. We’re here to redefine travel, especially in Nigeria. Initially, we’re starting with multiple flights between Lagos and Abuja, and we’ll gradually expand to more routes.”

 Iza hinting at plans to serve additional domestic and possibly international destinations in the near future.

As XEJet enters the scheduled service market, Iza underscored the company’s core values: “Safety, security, and comfort—that’s what we’re bringing to Nigerian travelers.

“Our airplanes are airworthy, and passengers can expect a private, comfortable flying experience,” he stressed.

Hassan Ejibunu, Director of Air Transport Management at the Federal Ministry of Aviation, also celebrated XEJet’s transition from charter to scheduled operations.

“Since the appointment of the Honorable Minister, there’s been a strong push to grow the aviation sector,” he noted. “For XEJet to move from charter to passenger services is a clear sign of progress in Nigerian aviation,” he said.