On November 4, 2026, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with China Express Airline Co. Ltd and KDY Aero to launch a state-owned airline, Edo Air. The agreement was signed at Government House, Benin City, with representatives of the Chinese airline led by its President, Shansheng Li. The MoU marks a significant step towards establishing the airline, with Okpebholo expressing satisfaction with the proposed partnership.
According to Okpebholo, the MoU is the beginning of a longer relationship between Edo State and China Express Airline. He stated that a presentation was made on the company's operational capacity, which was "very beautiful and wonderful." The governor expressed confidence in the partnership, saying, "By the grace of God, Edo Air will be in the airspace very soon." The signing of the MoU follows a fact-finding trip to China by a seven-man delegation on September 14, 2026.
The delegation, led by Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Umar Musa Ikhilor, Esq., visited China Express Airline and the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China (COMAC) to assess their capabilities and explore areas of cooperation. Ikhilor said the delegation was impressed by China Express's operational capacity, particularly its flight-monitoring operations. The team toured the airline's headquarters, where they saw a giant screen tracking flights across China, with 192 flights logged by 10 a.m. on the day of the visit.
The SSG expressed hope that the MoU and further engagements would lay the foundation for concrete steps towards realising the governor's plan to establish an Edo-owned airline. He said the facilities inspected and discussions with the airline's management convinced the delegation that China Express was a suitable technical and operational partner for Edo Air. The meeting at Government House was attended by several government officials, including the Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa.
At the event, Li presented the governor with a model aircraft, while the Managing Director of KDY AERO, Tianzhi Chen, spoke on behalf of the Chinese delegation and took the audience through the airline's operations and capabilities. The governor's plan to establish a state-owned airline is seen as a significant move to boost the state's economy and provide more air travel options for its citizens.
Okpebholo's administration has been actively pursuing initiatives to develop the state's infrastructure and economy. The proposed airline is expected to create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the state. The governor's efforts have been recognized by various organizations, including Silverbird, which named him among the 2026 Governors of the Year.
The launch of Edo Air is expected to be a major milestone for the state, and the MoU with China Express Airline and KDY Aero marks a significant step towards achieving this goal. With the partnership in place, the state is now closer to realizing its dream of having a state-owned airline. Key aspects of the partnership include the airline's operational capacity and the potential for job creation and economic growth.
Key points
- Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, signs MoU with China Express Airline and KDY Aero to launch state-owned airline, Edo Air.
- The MoU marks a significant step towards establishing the airline, with Okpebholo expressing satisfaction with the proposed partnership.
- The launch of Edo Air is expected to create jobs and stimulate economic growth in the state.
