BENIN CITY — The Edo State Government has taken a major stride toward launching its proposed state-owned carrier, Edo Air, following the official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Chinese aviation giants China Express Airline Co. Ltd and technical partners KDN Aero.
The agreement was executed on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, during a ceremony held at the Government House in Benin City, presided over by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo alongside key members of his executive cabinet.
Speaking after signing the pact, Governor Okpebholo expressed optimism that the strategic partnership would position Edo State as an emerging regional aviation hub, confirming that technical and operational capabilities demonstrated by the Chinese consortium paved the way for the deal.
According to the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq., the MoU follows a fact-finding mission undertaken by a seven-member state delegation to China on September 14, 2026. During the assessment visit, the delegation inspected facilities belonging to China Express Airline and state aircraft manufacturer Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC), assessing operational management and technical monitoring setups before finalizing the selection.
The delegation from the Chinese consortium was led by the President of China Express Airline, Shansheng Li, and the Managing Director of KDN Aero, Tianzhi Chen, who presented technical operational models and structural plans for the proposed fleet rollout.
Governor Okpebholo assured residents that the state government will rapidly advance from the signed MoU into full implementation stages, ensuring Edo Air commences commercial flight operations in Nigerian airspace shortly.
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