United Nigeria Eyes Stronger Continental Presence, Joins AFRAA

United Nigeria Airlines has strengthened its continental expansion drive following its admission as a Full Member of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), a development expected to bolster the carrier’s presence across Africa and deepen Nigeria’s role in the continent’s aviation industry.

The admission reinforces AFRAA’s commitment to expanding its footprint across Africa and promoting the sustainable development of the continent’s airline industry.

United Nigeria Airlines, which commenced commercial operations in February 2021, was established to enhance domestic connectivity in Nigeria and foster regional integration within West Africa. The airline operates a modern and diverse fleet comprising Boeing 737-800NG, Embraer 145, Airbus A320, Embraer 190, and CRJ900 aircraft.

Currently, the carrier operates on 14 domestic routes, including Abuja, Anambra, Asaba, Benin, Ekiti, Enugu, Ilorin, Kano, Lagos, Owerri, Port Harcourt, Sokoto, Warri and Yenagoa, with plans to launch four additional routes before the end of the year.

Beyond the domestic market, United Nigeria Airlines operates services to Accra, Ghana, and has secured designation from the Nigerian government to operate to destinations in the United States, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Italy, Turkey, as well as other regional and continental destinations.

The airline recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the government of Guinea-Bissau to establish a national carrier and has also attained the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification. It is equally a member of the IATA Clearing House, underscoring its commitment to global safety and operational standards.

As part of its long-term growth strategy, the airline plans to establish its own Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility, a move expected to strengthen Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem and reduce dependence on expensive offshore maintenance services.

Speaking on the development, AFRAA Secretary General, Mr Abderahmane Berthé, said: “We are truly excited to welcome United Nigeria Airlines into the AFRAA fraternity. Nigeria is Africa’s most populous nation, and one of its most dynamic aviation markets, and United Nigeria Airlines exemplifies the resilient, forward-looking spirit of the African airline industry.

“At AFRAA, United Nigeria Airlines will now have access to our full suite of advocacy, joint projects, commercial intelligence, capacity building, and networking resources. We will work to elevate their growth and advance the cause of truly unified African skies.”

The executive chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, described the admission as a milestone for both the airline and Nigeria’s aviation sector.

“Joining AFRAA as a full member is a defining moment for United Nigeria Airlines and for Nigerian aviation as a whole. Our vision has always been to unite Nigerians and connect them more closely to the rest of the continent. AFRAA membership gives us a stronger platform to advance that vision, collaborate with our fellow African carriers, and contribute meaningfully to the realisation of the Single African Air Transport Market. We look forward to working with AFRAA and its members to build a more integrated and competitive African aviation industry,” Okonkwo said.

The admission of United Nigeria Airlines aligns with AFRAA’s strategic priorities of accelerating the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), promoting intra-African trade and tourism, and enhancing operational excellence among member airlines.

Nigeria, Africa’s most populous nation and one of its fastest-growing economies, remains pivotal to the realisation of an integrated African aviation market.

With its admission, United Nigeria Airlines joins a network of more than 40 airlines across the continent, representing over 85 per cent of total international traffic carried by African airlines.