By Cosmas Okereafor
The United Nigeria Airlines (UNA), yesterday, February 12, celebrated five years of successful operations in Lagos. It was also remarked that, the airline will begin internatiomal operations on the lucrative Lagos — New York route by the second quarter of 2026.The Chairman of the airline, professor Obiora Okonkwo, during the anniversary ceremony that took place in Lagos, at the Sheraton Hotels and Towers, also hinted that, the airline has ordered 11 aircraft, which include A33O-200 and six 737-800, in preparation, adding that, one of the A33O- 200 will be delivered towards the end of the second quarter of the year while others will follow thereafter.The Chairman who was beaming with smiles throughout the duration of the world press conference, however attributed the success of the airlines to the focused, and commitment of the airlines management and its workers, especially during the Covid 19 period when the world was locked down, a time the airline was ready to commence full operations, but was hampered for several months due to covid 19.
The UNA boss , again revealed that, plans have reached advanced stage to commence additional 6 regional and continental routes operations, on or before the 2nd quarter of this year, 2026. The routes he said will include, but not limited to: Moronvia, Dakar, Johannesburg among others.In his words ‘we plan to start additional 6 regional and continental routes on or before the 2nd quarter of 2026. These routes include but not exclusive to Dakar, Monrovia,Johannesburg etc. Plans are also in advance stage to commence international flights to Gulf states, Europe and America by summer 2026 everything being equal. These destinations include, Dubai, Jedah, Rome, UK, New York”, etc.In addition to the airlines existing 10 aircraft, it has also acquired yet another six 737- 800 NG from South west Aviation while on the verge of finalizing negotiations for additional 3 of the same aircraft type, all expected to be delivered also before the end of 2nd quarter, beginning from march 2026 when delivery of the first two aircraft will take place.
Besides, the airline had also leased 2 wide body A330- 200, aircraft to support its international operations from Anka Aviation Turkey, due to be between July and October 2026, with first delivery to take place on 26th, July aswell as other aircraft acquisition plans whose deliveries may mature after 2026.Professor Okonkwo further explained that, in order to save cost, that the airline migrated from equivalent maintenance systems to Aircraft Maintenance Organization(AMO), in preparation towards establishing own Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO), in the near future. While fielding questions from the aviation journalist, the UNA Chairman stressed the lack of transit facilities at some of our airports and therefore called on the authorities to look into these areas in order to promote seamless operations and to also save the passengers the harrowing experience of staying longer than necessary at the terminal buildings after arrival.
On the roadmap for the next five years, the chairman remarked that, the airlines ambition is to transform from a leading national carrier to a reputable comtinental aviation powerhouse, strategically and truly positioned for regional, continental and intercontinental operations.’ The roadmap is anchored on three pillars; Excellence in passenger Experience, the airline will continue to invest in modern aircraft , innovative inflight services, and customer- focused digital solutions,; Sustainable Growth and partnershops, the airline would expand its network responsibly, leveraging strategic alliances and growing its cargo and ancilliary services and impact beyond Aviation, with this, we will be supporting communities , nurturing talent, and giving back through initiatives that extend beyond the airport and the skies”, he stressed.
Exactly on 12th February 2021, UNA operated its maiden flight from Murtala Mohammed Airport, Lagos to Akanu Ibiam Airport , Enugu, which today according to the Chairman remains evergreen despite the challenges the airline faced, the journey taken, the heights reached, the horizons aimed to conquer in the years ahed. He recalled that, under the five years period, that the airline has grown from a single route vision and four narrow body aircraft to a multiple fleet of 10 aircraft, bringing together 16 cities across Nigeria and now making its first regional inroad in Accra, Ghana.The airline which has carried millions of passengers under the period in review again according to the chairman is positioned to do more.’We became an IATA member, a recognition of our operational standards and commitment to global best practices, and IOSA certified in record time of two years of operations, testament to our international safety standards. Professor Okonkwo, who claimed that, the airline has built team of dedicated aviation professional who embody excellence, service and discipline in every department ranging from; cockpit and cabin crew, Engineers, dispatchers, ground officers, under graduates through internship program, all he pointed have world class training, both here in Nigeria and abroad.
On the flight delays, the airline boss appealed to the flying publics and all consumers of aviation services to be patient in the event of any delay, and that such development is not meant to frustrate passengers atall.The anniversary celebration climaxed with the unveiling of the UNA in- flight Magazine, called Harmony and also the launching of its loyalty and frequent flyer program known as Unity Reward aswell as its foundation, purely designed to advance its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), in the society.
