Edo State Signs Agreement to Launch State-Owned Airline with Chinese Partners

Edo State is moving closer to launching its own airline. On Wednesday, Governor Monday Okpebholo signed a deal with China Express Airline Co. Ltd and KDN Aero at the Government House in Benin City.

The governor was joined by representatives from the Chinese airline, including its President, Shansheng Li. During the signing, Okpebholo expressed optimism about the partnership, stating that the airline would begin operations soon.

He described the agreement as the start of a long-term relationship, saying, “We have signed the MoU, and this is the first part of it. We will continue to build on it.”

The Secretary to the State Government, Umar Ikhilor, explained that the agreement followed a trip to China by a seven-member delegation on September 14, 2026. This trip was approved by the governor to explore potential partners for the airline.

Ikhilor led the delegation, which included various government officials and aviation experts. They visited China Express Airline and the Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China to assess their capabilities. Ikhilor noted that China Express made a strong impression on the delegation.

During their visit, the team observed the airline’s flight-monitoring operations, which included a large screen tracking numerous flights across China. Ikhilor expressed confidence that the partnership with China Express would help in establishing Edo Air.

At the signing event, Li presented the governor with a model aircraft. The meeting was attended by several key officials, including the Deputy Governor, Dennis Idahosa, and other government representatives.