Kanem Air is a new start-up Virtual Airline, to be based at Maiduguri (MIU) airport in Nigeria. Kanem Air has plans to connect its hub city, Maiduguri, with Borno state, and hopes to fly to cities including Lagos, Abuja and Kano.
In July 2021, the airline took delivery of its first aircraft, an Embraer ERJ145, and hopes to expand its fleet to three Embraer ERJ145 aircraft soon.
Kanem Air is the latest addition to the growing list of airline startups in Nigeria. The airline is being established by XE Jet, a Nigerian aviation company with an ambition to become one of Nigeria's leading premium business operators. As of August 2021, XE Jet has yet to receive its Air Operator’s Certificate, but is expected to receive it soon.
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The airline hasn't announced any carry-on baggage allowance yet.
But in all instances, carry-on baggage must fit in the overhead lockers, or under the seat in front. No prohibited items can be carried in carry-on baggage. Prohibited items found in carry-on bags may be confiscated.
Details for checked baggage allowance haven't been announced. But in all instances, checked baggage cannot weigh over 32kg due to international health and safety regulations.
It is not yet known whether the airline will offer online check-in.
The airline has yet to publish a statement regarding recommended check-in times.
It is not yet known what cabin classes are available. Having highlighted the affordability of its ticket, it is likely that the airline will offer an Economy class option, potentially with upgrade options.
An Economy cabin onboard the Embraer ERJ145 is usually configured in a 2-1 seating formation.
The Embraer ERJ145 is fully equipped with a galley, meaning the airline may offer snack/beverage options. W/C facilities are also available. The cabin will feature over-head storage containers.
Kanem Air will operate as a domestic carrier, operating flights from Maiduguri to other cities in Borno state. Although the full list of airports and cities have yet to be announced, the airline has highlighted the following as likely initial destinations: Lagos, Abuja and Kano.
The following airlines operate similar routes within Nigeria:
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Maiduguri International Airport (IATA: MIU) is a small international airport serving the city of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State in Nigeria. There are currently only two other airlines to operate to/from the airport. Max Air flies to Abuja, and Azman Air to Abuja, Kaduna, Kano, Lagos, and Yola.
Having taken delivery of its first aircraft, the airline has plans to operate three Embraer ERJ145. The Embraer ERJ145 was purposefully developed for regional operations, providing ideal versatility and efficiency.
1st August 2021
In a post-COVID-19 resurgence, a number of new startup carriers in Nigeria are preparing for take-off. With a new spike in passenger traffic following an increased number of vaccinations, combined with a huge number of aircraft being brought into Nigeria, there has been a proliferation of air companies (new and existing) hoping to deepen their market penetration within Nigeria by introducing the right-sized aircraft on popular and new routes. Other startups hoping to benefit from new opportunities in Nigeria’s aviation space include: Green Africa Airways, Cardinal Airlines, Mambilla Air, North-East Regional Shuttle, and Value Jets.