Nigerian Airline Binani Air has scheduled commercial services for two of its jets. Binani’s E170 planes will provide flights between Nnamdi Azikiwe International (ABV), Mallam Aminu Kano International (KAN), Yola (YOL), and Murtala Muhammad International (LOS) airports. It marks the latest business success for the airline’s owner, Nigerian politician Aisha Binani, and may significantly help the wider Nigerian aviation industry.
Binani Air’s Preparations for take-off
This announcement marks the end of a long development process that began with the foundation of the Lagos-based Binani Air in 2020. The airline obtained its air operator’s certificate (AOC) for scheduled commercial flights in March 2026, having held an AOC for non-scheduled services since July 2024.
Binani’s inaugural flight was held on May 11, with the airline’s 5N-CCI jet, one of its E170s, flying from Abuja to Kano.
5N-CCI, along with its sister ship 5N-CCJ, were first used by EgyptAir Express in 2007, before being later sold on. Binani purchased the 5N-CCI jet from Egyptian Airline CIAF leasing, and 5N-CCJ from the now defunct Tunisian charter airline, Jasmin Airways.
The Airline’s fleet also includes a Hawker 800XP, which is also intended to be used for charter flights.
Who are Binani Air?
Binani Air is part of the Binani Group of Companies, owned by Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed, who is better known as Aisha Binani.
Binani is an active politician who was the Senator for Nigeria’s Adamawa Central district between 2019 and 2023, and is now part of the Adamawa Emirate Council, sitting on behalf of the All Progressives Congress party.
She became the first Nigerian woman to own an airline when Binani Air was founded, and also owns companies in the pharmaceuticals, and oil and gas markets.
As well as aiming to establish themselves as “Africa’s preferred airline”, according to the company’s website, Binani Air have the stated aim of:
“contributing significantly to the growth of Nigeria’s aviation industry while supporting national and regional connectivity.”
This includes investing in training schemes for pilots and engineers, which may seek to provide long-term growth and stability for the Nigerian aviation industry. The sector has recently been hit by ongoing disputes between the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority and the Airline Operators of Nigeria group, and concerns over in-flight incidents.
Are you planning to fly in Nigeria? If so, would you consider using Binani Air? Let us know in the comments.
