United Nigeria Airlines gains IATA membership, boosts fleet size for int’l operation 

United Nigeria Airlines has gained membership of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), having passed its safety audit earlier in May this year.

The airline announced that it received a letter conveying its admittance into IATA on October 9, 2023. 

The letter, which was signed by William Walsh, IATA’s Director-General, was addressed to Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, Chairman and Chief Executive of the company.

In the letter, William Walsh said the global aviation body was delighted to welcome United Nigeria Airlines into its fold.

“It gives me great pleasure personally to welcome United Nigeria Airlines as an IATA member,” the Director-General said.

According to him, “IATA’s mission is to represent, lead, and serve the aviation industry and is the collective voice of some 300 Airlines from over 120 countries worldwide. 

“Our vision is to work together to shape the future growth of a safe, secure, and sustainable air transport industry that connects and enriches our world.”

Walsh further informed the airline that the group’s priorities include improving global safety, protecting the industry’s ability to grow sustainably, driving digital transformation within the industry and becoming the trusted source for aviation data.

“I sincerely hope that you, your airline, and employees will reap the full benefits of IATA membership,” he added.

Commenting on the feat, Chief Operating Officer of the airline, Mazi Osita Okonkwo said the IATA membership is an indication that United Nigeria Airlines was on course to becoming a global carrier.

According to him, “the membership is a boost to our strategic engagements towards achieving our goals and becoming an airline that operates in accordance with global aviation standards.”

“We welcome the admission into IATA membership and assure that it will propel us to exceeding customer expectations on safety, quick service delivery, and top-notch customer services,” he added.

The airline is currently engaged with its expansion programme with immediate expectations for direct flight operations to Accra in Ghana and other regional destinations alongside expanded operations to Sokoto, Kano, Jos and Benin.

In the buildup for regional and international operations, the airline said it has concluded arrangements to boost its fleet size with the arrival of two Airbus A320 aircraft expected to arrive Nigeria mid-October and early December while another set of E-190 Embraer aircraft will join the services of the company in the first quarter of 2024.

Just before it gained IATA membership, the airline was recently granted approval by the Federal Government of Nigeria to commence direct flight operations into North America, Europe and the Middle East.