Edo Signs Deal with Chinese Firms to Establish State-Owned Airline

The Edo State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China Express Airline Co. Ltd and KDN Aero towards establishing a state-owned airline, to be known as Edo Air.

Governor Monday Okpebholo signed the agreement on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, at the Government House in Benin City, alongside representatives of the Chinese aviation companies.

The governor described the agreement as the beginning of a long-term partnership and expressed confidence that the proposed airline would commence operations soon.

“We have signed the MoU, and this is the first part of it. We will continue to build on it. A presentation was made, which was very beautiful and wonderful. We have seen your capability, and we are ready to do business with you,” Okpebholo said.

He added that Edo Air would soon become operational, describing the partnership as an important step towards expanding the state’s aviation sector.

Secretary to the State Government, Umar Musa Ikhilor, said the agreement followed a fact-finding visit to China by a seven-member state delegation on September 14, 2026.

Ikhilor, who led the delegation, said the team visited China Express Airline and the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) to assess their technical and operational capacity and explore possible areas of cooperation.

He said the delegation was impressed by China Express Airline’s flight-monitoring facilities, including a control room used to track aircraft operations across China.

According to him, the inspection and discussions with the company’s management strengthened the state’s confidence in the airline as a potential technical and operational partner for the proposed carrier.

At the signing ceremony, China Express Airline President, Shansheng Li, presented a model aircraft to the governor, while KDN Aero Managing Director, Tianzhi Chen, made a presentation on the company’s operational capabilities.

The proposed airline is expected to support tourism, create employment opportunities, attract investment and improve air connectivity for residents and businesses in Edo State.

However, the agreement is a preliminary step towards establishing Edo Air. Details such as its launch date, fleet size, routes, ownership arrangements and financial commitments have not yet been publicly disclosed.