UNA Celebrates Fifth Anniversary with Ambitious Route Expansion Drive
United Nigeria Airlines has marked its fifth anniversary with an expansive vision for growth, unveiling plans for fleet enlargement, intercontinental routes and new passenger-focused initiatives, as the carrier positions itself for a stronger presence across Africa and beyond.
At a press conference commemorating the milestone, the Chairman, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, reflected on the airline’s journey since its inaugural flight on 12 February 2021 from Lagos to Enugu, describing the anniversary as a testament to perseverance and progress.
Addressing journalists, partners and industry stakeholders, he declared, “Today is not just a date on the calendar – it is a milestone in the journey of a dream that took flight five years ago… we celebrate not only that flight, but the journey we have taken since then – the challenges we faced, the heights we reached, and the horizons we aim to conquer in the years ahead.”
Within half a decade, the airline said it has grown from a start-up operating four narrow-body aircraft on a single route to a network linking 16 Nigerian cities and a regional destination in Ghana.
It also disclosed that it has transported millions of passengers, attributing its growth to public trust and adherence to international safety benchmarks.
The Chairman highlighted the airline’s International Air Transport Association membership and IOSA certification obtained within two years of operation, noting that these achievements underscored its compliance with global standards.
He praised employees across all departments, from flight crews to engineers and trainees, for embodying professionalism and excellence through world-class training both locally and abroad.
Okonkwo acknowledged that the airline’s rise occurred against a challenging aviation backdrop marked by pandemic disruptions, regulatory pressures, infrastructure limitations, foreign exchange volatility and rising operating costs. Yet he insisted these obstacles strengthened the airline’s determination and sharpened its strategic direction.
Nigeria’s aviation sector has indeed faced turbulence. Industry figures show domestic passenger traffic declined to roughly 12.5 million travellers in 2024, down more than six per cent from the previous year, reflecting economic pressures and high ticket prices.
Total passenger traffic through Nigerian airports also fell to about 15.7 million in the same period, underscoring wider sector challenges. Analysts say a handful of dominant airlines control most domestic traffic, illustrating the intense competition facing newer entrants.
The anniversary event doubled as the unveiling of a five-year roadmap designed to transform the carrier into what the Chairman described as a “recognised continental aviation powerhouse” with regional, continental and eventually intercontinental operations.
He explained that the strategy rests on three pillars: improving passenger experience through modern aircraft and digital solutions; achieving sustainable growth via partnerships and network expansion; and supporting communities through social impact initiatives.
To advance these goals, the airline announced the launch of three major programmes. The first is Harmony, an inflight magazine intended to showcase destinations, culture and passenger stories.
The second is Unity Rewards, a loyalty scheme offering benefits to frequent flyers. The third is the UNA Foundation, which will fund projects in education, healthcare, aviation training and community development nationwide.
Emphasising the purpose behind the foundation, the Chairman said, “United Nigeria Airlines is more than a business – it is a force for positive impact… our foundation embodies our belief that success is meaningful only when it uplifts society as a whole.”
The airline disclosed plans to open at least six additional regional and continental routes before the end of the second quarter of 2026, with proposed destinations including Dakar, Monrovia and Johannesburg.
It is also preparing for long-haul services to cities in the Gulf, Europe and North America, such as Dubai, Jeddah, Rome, New York and London, subject to approvals.
These ambitions mirror broader projections for African aviation growth. Aircraft manufacturers estimate the continent will require more than a thousand new aircraft over the next two decades as travel demand rises and connectivity improves.
Central to the expansion is a significant fleet upgrade. The airline confirmed it has secured six Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft, with negotiations ongoing for three more of the same type, all expected before the end of the second quarter of 2026. The first two aircraft are scheduled for delivery in March.
In preparation for international operations, the carrier has also leased two Airbus A330-200 wide-body aircraft, with deliveries expected between July and October 2026.
Additionally, it announced a transition from equivalent maintenance systems to Approved Maintenance Organisation status, a step toward establishing its own Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facility within three years.
United Nigeria Airlines said it will relocate to a new corporate office in Ikoyi later this year, signalling its expanding operational footprint.
The Chairman expressed appreciation to financial partners including Zenith Bank, the Bank of Industry and Afreximbank, as well as regulators such as the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority and other aviation agencies, for their support.
He also praised government reforms aimed at strengthening the aviation sector, noting that pro-business policies had provided leverage for the airline’s rapid rise.
The Chairman struck a hopeful tone, stressing that the airline’s achievements so far represent only the beginning. “Five years ago, this dream began as a vision. Today, it is a reality that we can all be proud of. The next five years will demand courage, innovation and dedication – but I am confident that together, we will soar even higher,” he said.
With fresh aircraft on order, new routes in the pipeline and an expanded corporate footprint, United Nigeria Airlines’ anniversary celebration was less a retrospective than a declaration of intent – signalling that the carrier aims to become a significant player not only in Nigeria’s skies, but across the global aviation landscape.
