United Nigeria Airlines Chairman Honoured with INAE Gold Medal for Aviation Excellence
The Executive Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines (UNA), Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, has received the prestigious Gold Medal Award of the Institute of Nigerian Aeronautical Engineers (INAE) in recognition of his leadership in promoting aviation safety, developing indigenous engineering capacity and driving the rapid growth of the airline despite operating in a challenging economic environment.
The honour was presented at the Institute’s International Conference and Fellowship Conferment held in Lagos on Wednesday by the National President of INAE, Dr Ebitei Charles, who described Prof. Okonkwo’s contributions as exemplary in advancing Nigeria’s aviation industry.
The Gold Medal Award is one of the institute’s highest distinctions and is reserved for individuals whose work has made significant contributions to the advancement of aeronautical engineering and aviation development.
Although Prof. Okonkwo was unable to attend the ceremony, the award was received on his behalf by the airline’s Director of Continuing Airworthiness, Mr Alex Iheuwa, and the Chief Pilot, Capt. Joan Obasi-Ibraheem.
Speaking at the event, Dr Charles said United Nigeria Airlines had distinguished itself through its unwavering commitment to operational safety, investment in engineering manpower and consistent fleet and network expansion since commencing commercial operations in 2021.
He noted that the institute considered the airline’s achievements particularly remarkable because they were recorded during a period marked by severe economic headwinds and the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to him, the airline’s emphasis on maintaining high safety standards, modernising its operations and investing in human capital reflects the values that the engineering profession seeks to promote across Nigeria’s aviation industry.
He particularly applauded United Nigeria Airlines for creating internship opportunities for aeronautical engineering students, describing the initiative as an important contribution to developing the next generation of aviation engineers.
Dr Charles said the programme provides young professionals with valuable practical exposure while helping to close the skills gap within the country’s aviation maintenance sector.
He added that strengthening indigenous engineering expertise would ultimately improve aircraft performance, reduce maintenance costs and lessen Nigeria’s dependence on foreign maintenance facilities.
The INAE President also praised the airline’s resilience in sustaining safe operations despite the difficult operating climate confronting domestic airlines, saying its achievements had become a source of inspiration for aviation professionals across the country.
Reacting to the recognition, Prof. Okonkwo described the award as an affirmation of the airline’s vision and long-standing commitment to excellence.
He said the honour recognised the values upon which United Nigeria Airlines was founded, particularly its focus on safety, professionalism and continuous investment in people.
According to him, the recognition belongs not only to the airline’s leadership but also to its workforce, whose dedication has enabled the carrier to maintain high operational standards while expanding its services.
The award comes as another milestone for the airline, which has continued to record significant achievements since launching commercial operations in February 2021.
Speaking during the unveiling of two Boeing 737-800 Next Generation aircraft in Lagos in June, Prof. Okonkwo reflected on the enormous challenges the airline faced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
He recounted how 23 pilots undergoing training in South Africa became stranded for nine months after international borders and airspace were closed during the global health crisis.
Despite the financial strain, he said the airline continued to pay the pilots’ salaries and hotel accommodation throughout the period, even as some of them fell ill while abroad.
He explained that those decisions reflected the airline’s commitment to its employees, adding that remaining operational throughout the pandemic ultimately ensured the company’s survival.
Over the past five years, United Nigeria Airlines has expanded its domestic and regional footprint with a growing fleet and route network.
The carrier currently operates on more than 15 routes, including scheduled international services to Accra, Ghana.
In another major development this year, the airline signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Guinea-Bissau to support the establishment of a national carrier for the West African nation.
United Nigeria Airlines has also strengthened its international credentials by securing the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification, joining the IATA Clearing House and becoming a Full Member of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA).
The conference also recognised other key stakeholders in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Arik Air and Xejet were honoured for their contributions to the industry, while the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo, and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, were conferred with honorary fellowships of the institute in recognition of their support for the advancement of aviation and aeronautical engineering in Nigeria.
