25 Years Of Democracy In Nigeria (May 29, 1999-2024) – CEOs Whose Companies Are Making Real Impact In Nigerian Economy (Part 1)
Across the Nigerian leadership landscape, there are world -class professionals quietly and admirably contributing to nation building. Urbane, thoroughbred and vastly experienced, this growing corps of world – class professionals is positively changing the ways things are done in their sectors or industries. Well-educated and having garnered experiences abroad, they are just the right set of leaders needed to bring about the right changes, first in their industries, and second, in the nation as a whole. Mr. Emmanuel Iza is one of such professionals. He is the chief executive officer of XEJet, a premium Nigerian airline which provides discerning travellers with exclusive travel experience. Prioritizing safety, efficiency and value, XEJet aims to enrich traveller’s journey at a competitive price point. The airline’s mission is to deliver cost -effective, customer – oriented business air travel while maintaining a rewarding work environment for employees and fostering strong partnership with suppliers and business partners. Safety is a top priority with XEJet and it is committed to implementing the latest, industry best practices and technology to ensure the well-being of its passengers and crew. The company aspires to becoming the leading business airline of choice renowned for its reliability, safety and exceptional customer service. Driven by a relentless pursuit of excellence, the company is dedicated to building a thriving and profitable organization from the outset. Under Iza’s leadership, XEJet is poised to revolutionize business air travel within Nigerian market
A visionary leader, Iza has propelled the company to the forefront of the global aviation industry with his dynamic approach and relentless dedication. He is known for his unwavering passion and tireless work ethic, and has carved a good reputation as an industry expert and innovator. A creative thinker coupled with profound knowledge, he has engineered the airline ‘s success within a short time, pushing boundaries and achieving unprecedented results. With over two decades experience, Iza has gained vast insights into aviation business management, including working with prominent airlines in the Middle East and extensive hands -on exposure in Nigerian a viation industry. His expertise spans strategy, negotiation, project design, business development and crisis and change management
Iza’s leadership is grounded in integrity, transparency and ethical conduct. He fosters a collaborative and inclusive work environment, empowering his team to reach their full potential. Iza has a master’s degree in Aircraft Maintenance Management from City University, London. It is not just a business face and hat that he wears, he is a dedicated philanthropist. He founded Lear Iza Memorial Foundation, a non-profit organization aimed at combating high blood pressure, diabetes and related diseases in Nigeria and beyond. He is married to Esther and are both blessed with three kids.
About XEJet
XEJet, a premium Nigerian airline, provides discerning business travelers with an exclusive travel experience. Prioritizing Safe, efficiency, and value, XEJet aims to enrich your journey at a competitive price point. The airline’s mission is to deliver cost-effective, customer-oriented business air travel while maintaining a rewarding work environment for employees and fostering strong partnerships with suppliers and business partners. Safety is a top priority, with XEJet implementing the latest training, industry best practices, and technology to ensure the well-being of passengers and crew.
XEJet aspires to become the leading business airline of choice, renowned for its reliability, safety, and exceptional customer service. Driven by a relentless pursuit for excellence, the company is dedicated to building a thriving and profitable organization from the outset. Under the leadership of Emmanuel Iza, XEJet is poised to revolutionize business air travel within the Nigerian market.
Building a First-Class Travel Experience: An Interview with Emmanuel Iza, CEO of XEJet
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind founding XEJet and the initial challenges you faced?
The inspiration for XEJet really stemmed from identifying a gap in the Nigerian market. Business travelers often face limited options: commercial airlines are often crowded, while traditional private jet charters are prohibitively expensive. Our goal was to offer a premium experience that alleviates all of these constraints.
Launching a new airline came with its challenges. The biggest hurdle initially was building brand awareness. We needed to earn the trust of discerning business travelers and demonstrate that XEJet provides a reliable and safe alternative. Many people associate private jet charters with luxury and high costs, so we had to demonstrate that a premium experience can be achieved at a more competitive price point.
What are some of the core values that guide XE Jet, and how do they translate into the customer experience?
At XEJet, our core values are central to everything we do:
Safety is our top priority. We implement the latest training programs, industry best practices, and cutting-edge technology to ensure the complete well-being of our passengers and crew on every journey.
Cost-effectiveness: We aim to make premium air travel accessible to more business travelers. By actively managing our business plan, we maintain a competitive cost base reflected in our pricing strategy.
Customer focus: We strive to exceed expectations at every customer touchpoint and during every flight, ensuring a comfortable and efficient travel experience.
People: Our team is the heart of our business. We foster a culture of growth and development, attracting and empowering talented individuals with the resources and support they need to reach their full potential. This focus on our people has solidified our position as an Employer of Choice.
These core values translate into excellence in everything we do, including competitive pricing, exceptional customer service, on-time performance, optimized flight schedules, and world-class in-flight service.
Looking ahead, what are your goals for XE Jet?
At XEJet, we have ambitious goals. Our vision is to solidify our position as Nigeria’s leading business airline, recognized for unwavering reliability, safety, and exceptional customer service. We are committed to building a successful and thriving organization that prioritizes sustainable growth alongside our dedication to excellence.
The Nigerian business travel sector is experiencing exciting growth, and XEJet plans to stay at the forefront by continuously innovating and refining our offerings. We constantly explore ways to enhance the customer experience, optimize operational efficiency, and integrate the latest advancements in aviation technology. This commitment to progress ensures we remain the preferred choice for discerning business travelers in Nigeria.
Our fleet includes seven premium business-class-configured aircraft, catering to both commercial and private charter needs. Beyond flights, we offer comprehensive Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance (ACMI) solutions to support airlines. Strategic partnerships across West and Central Africa allow us to extend our reach and services even further. Within Nigeria, we’ve established trusted collaborations with an increasing number of airlines to ensure seamless passenger transport across the nation.
Our commitment to excellence extends beyond the present. We are negotiating to add more premium aircraft to our fleet, demonstrating our dedication to providing top-tier service across all our products. Additionally, we are developing a comprehensive MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) facility to service various aircraft types from across the continent.
At XEJet, we’re not just an airline; we’re your partner in achieving your business goals. Let us take the stress out of your travel, getting you where you need to be comfortably, efficiently, and safely. Join us as we redefine Nigerian business travel, together.
What Differentiates XEJet from other Airlines?
We honed in on our unique selling points. Our commitment to providing a comfortable and exclusive business-class experience for every passenger on every flight sets us apart. We believe that our unwavering dedication to quality, coupled with our emphasis on safety and exceptional customer service, distinguishes us in the market.
Moreover, by maintaining our focus solely on business-class travel, we are able to offer a more competitive service, thereby making private jet travel experience accessible to a wider market segment.
You’ve had a distinguished career in aviation. What are some of the key lessons you’ve learned that you bring to your role as CEO of XE Jet?
Over the course of my aviation career, I’ve garnered invaluable insights that I now apply to my role as CEO of XEJet. One of the paramount lessons learned is the significance of operational efficiency in navigating the highly competitive aviation landscape.
At XEJet, we prioritize optimizing processes, harnessing cutting-edge technology, and assembling a robust team to guarantee seamless and cost-effective operations. These strategies not only enhance our competitiveness but also reinforce our commitment to delivering unparalleled service to our valued clientele.
XEJet’s success hinges on its team. Can you describe your approach to attracting and retaining top talent?
At XEJet, we recognize that our team is the cornerstone of our success. Our approach to attracting and retaining top talent is multifaceted and centers around fostering a culture of growth and development.
We are dedicated to providing ample opportunities for training, professional development, and career advancement within the company.
By investing in our employees’ growth, we not only cultivate their skills but also ensure their long-term commitment to our organization.
Moreover, we prioritize creating a supportive and collaborative work environment where every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered. We understand the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance, which is why we offer flexible work arrangements and programs designed to support employee well-being.
XEJet is an exciting and dynamic place to work, ideal for those who thrive in innovative environments. We encourage creative thinking and provide opportunities for our employees to contribute to shaping the future of business aviation in Nigeria. Join us as we continue to lead the way in the aviation industry.
Beyond offering a premium travel service, how does XE Jet aim to contribute to the broader Nigerian economy?
Beyond offering a premium travel service, XEJet is committed to contributing to the broader Nigerian economy in several significant ways.
Firstly, our growth will create new employment opportunities for Nigerian pilots, cabin crew, maintenance personnel, and across the whole aviation supply chain. This will not only inject capital into the local economy but also contribute to overall economic growth by providing stable and rewarding careers.
Additionally, XEJet’s reliable and efficient business travel services will enhance domestic and regional connectivity within Nigeria. By making it easier for businesses to conduct operations, attend meetings, and explore new markets, we aim to boost trade and investment opportunities, thereby fostering a more vibrant and dynamic business environment.
What advice would you offer to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to
The aviation industry is demanding and requires unwavering passion. First and foremost, ensure you have a genuine love for aviation and a strong desire to contribute to this dynamic field. Building a successful aviation business takes time and perseverance, so be prepared for the long haul and maintain a long-term vision that guides your decisions.
Additionally, conduct thorough market research to identify unmet needs or gaps in the current market. Look for opportunities to offer unique services or cater to a specific niche within the aviation sector. By understanding the market landscape and finding your unique value proposition, you can position your business for success.
