United Nigeria Airlines Secures AFRAA Full Membership, Enhancing Continental Aviation Collaboration
United Nigeria Airlines has been admitted as a Full Member of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), marking a significant milestone in the carrier’s growth and reinforcing Nigeria’s strategic role in the development of Africa’s aviation industry.
The announcement reflects AFRAA’s continued efforts to expand its membership across the continent while promoting stronger cooperation among African airlines to achieve a more integrated, competitive and sustainable air transport sector.
The Nigerian carrier, which commenced commercial operations in February 2021, has rapidly established itself as one of the country’s leading domestic airlines.
With a mission to improve connectivity within Nigeria and foster regional integration across West Africa, the airline has continued to expand its route network and operational capacity.
United Nigeria Airlines currently operates a fleet comprising Boeing 737-800 Next Generation, Embraer 145, Airbus A320, Embraer 190 and CRJ900 aircraft.
The airline serves 14 domestic destinations, including Abuja, Lagos, Enugu, Port Harcourt, Kano, Benin, Owerri, Asaba, Warri, Sokoto, Ilorin, Yenagoa, Anambra and Ekiti, while plans are underway to introduce four additional domestic routes this year.
Its regional expansion has also gathered momentum with scheduled services to Accra, Ghana. The airline has further been designated by the Federal Government to operate services to major international destinations, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Italy and Turkey, as well as other regional and continental routes.
Beyond route expansion, United Nigeria Airlines has continued to strengthen its standing within the global aviation industry. The airline recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Guinea-Bissau to support the establishment of a national airline for the country.
It has also attained the prestigious International Air Transport Association Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification and is a member of the IATA Clearing House, achievements that reflect its compliance with internationally recognised safety and operational standards.
The airline is equally pursuing plans to establish a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Nigeria, a development expected to reduce reliance on foreign maintenance centres, lower operational costs for airlines and contribute to the growth of the country’s aviation sector.
Commenting on the airline’s admission, AFRAA Secretary General, Mr Abderahmane Berthé, described United Nigeria Airlines as an important addition to the association’s growing network of African carriers.
He noted that Nigeria remains one of Africa’s most vibrant aviation markets and said the airline represents the resilience and ambition that characterise the continent’s aviation industry.
Berthé explained that as a Full Member, United Nigeria Airlines would benefit from AFRAA’s advocacy initiatives, commercial intelligence, collaborative projects, training programmes and networking opportunities aimed at improving operational performance and supporting business growth.
He added that the association looks forward to working closely with the airline in advancing the vision of a unified African air transport market.
Reacting to the development, the Executive Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, described the admission as a landmark achievement for both the airline and the Nigerian aviation industry.
According to him, the airline was established with the vision of connecting Nigerians more effectively while strengthening links between Nigeria and other African countries.
Okonkwo said AFRAA membership would provide the carrier with greater opportunities to collaborate with other African airlines, share industry expertise and contribute to policies that will shape the future of aviation on the continent.
He expressed optimism that the partnership would also support the successful implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), the African Union initiative designed to liberalise air services, improve connectivity and stimulate trade, tourism and economic development across Africa.
United Nigeria Airlines now joins a community of more than 40 African airlines under the AFRAA umbrella. Collectively, the association’s members account for more than 85 per cent of all international passenger traffic carried by African airlines, making AFRAA the continent’s foremost aviation trade body.
Membership offers airlines access to a wide range of benefits, including coordinated industry advocacy, strategic partnerships, market research, operational collaboration and joint negotiations that enhance efficiency and competitiveness.
The admission of United Nigeria Airlines comes as African carriers continue to push for stronger regional integration and greater cooperation under SAATM.
Industry stakeholders believe the inclusion of one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing airlines will further strengthen efforts to build a seamless and interconnected African aviation network capable of supporting the continent’s economic growth and expanding opportunities for passengers and businesses alike.
