Edo Signs MoU with Chinese Firms to Launch State-Owned Airline
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo on Wednesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding with China Express Airline Co. Ltd and KDN Aero as part of plans to establish a state-owned airline, Edo Air.
The agreement was signed at the Government House in Benin City following a presentation by representatives of the Chinese airline, led by its President, Shansheng Li, on the company’s operational capacity.
Governor Okpebholo described the MoU as the first step in the partnership.
“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. By the grace of God, Edo Air will be in the airspace very soon. So, we are in partnership with you,” he said.
Secretary to the State Government Umar Musa Ikhilor explained that the agreement followed a fact-finding mission to China by a seven-man delegation on September 14, 2026.
The visit, approved by the governor, was aimed at identifying potential technical and operational partners for the proposed airline.
The delegation visited China Express Airline and the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC).
At China Express Airline’s headquarters, the team inspected the company’s flight-monitoring operations, where a giant screen tracked flights across China, with 192 flights already logged by 10 a.m. on the day of the visit.
Ikhilor said the facilities and discussions convinced the delegation that China Express was a suitable partner.
At the signing ceremony, Shansheng Li presented a model aircraft to the governor, while the Managing Director of KDN Aero, Tianzhi Chen, spoke on behalf of the Chinese delegation and outlined the airline’s operations and capabilities.
The proposed airline is expected to create jobs, boost tourism, attract investment, expand business opportunities and improve access to air travel for residents of the state.
By Oyinkansola Shittu.
