September 2, 2025
By Ayinde Adeleke
The Ogun State Government has reportedly taken delivery of a Bombardier CRJ 900 regional jet to operate under its newly established airline, Gateway Air.
The CRJ 900, manufactured by Canada-based Bombardier Aerospace, is a twin-engine regional jet that can accommodate up to 90 passengers, depending on its cabin configuration (single, dual, or triple class). Its acquisition signals a major step in Ogun State’s plans to enter the aviation industry, potentially boosting connectivity and commerce for the Gateway State.
Industry experts estimate that a brand-new CRJ 900 costs around $40 million, while pre-owned models typically sell for $10–15 million, depending on age, usage, and condition. Older, third-hand variants can be purchased for as low as $3–8 million.
In a curious twist, the aircraft spotted beside the newly acquired Gateway Air jet is also a Bombardier CRJ 900. That jet is said to belong to Ogun-born billionaire Kunle Soname, Chairman of ValueJet, who recently expanded his aviation fleet with the same aircraft model for his privately-owned airline.
The parallel acquisitions by both Gateway Air and ValueJet highlight the growing interest of Ogun State and its indigenes in the aviation sector.
