Sade Williams/Business a.m.

K-Impex Airline Limited, a prospective airline that began preparations for launch in 2021, is set to take delivery of four Embraer E190 jets.

The company, with head office in Abuja, the federal capital, started as Knights Impex Limited with interest in import and export cargo business, but expanded into aviation services in 2021, and has now acquired the aircraft for scheduled operations.

Abel Ozigi, the airline’s managing director, stated that the four Embraer E190 jets, each with a 98-passenger capacity (90 economy and 8 business class), were chosen for their economy range and operational efficiency on domestic and regional routes. “We chose outright purchase to redeem the capital flight associated with the lease option,” Ozigi said.

The acquisition is facilitated by the near completion of the Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Ozigi said, assuring that the airline is committed to type-rating and recurrent training for pilots and crew to demonstrate competency.

K-Impex Airline aims to fill the untapped air transport market segments across Nigeria, serving over 40 destinations, including smaller cities and airstrips not typically served by major carriers. The airline will carry out light maintenance using in-country hangars and MRO facilities with established standards and competence.

Nasiru Ado Bayero, chairman of the board, praised the team led by Ozigi for achieving excellence, stating, “This long wait is worth the wait because we are taking off now with a bang.”

He added that the acquisition of safe and efficient aircraft will serve Nigerian and regional