United Nigeria Airlines has secured full membership of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), a milestone expected to unlock new growth opportunities through stronger industry collaboration, expanded partnerships, enhanced operational support and wider access to the African aviation market.
The membership positions the Nigerian carrier to leverage AFRAA’s advocacy, commercial intelligence, capacity-building programmes and strategic partnerships as it accelerates its expansion across Africa and beyond, while contributing to efforts to build a more integrated continental air transport network.
The admission also reinforces AFRAA’s commitment to strengthening its presence in one of Africa’s largest and fastest-growing aviation markets and advancing the sustainable development of the continent’s airline industry.
Expanding Network and Fleet
United Nigeria Airlines commenced commercial operations in February 2021 with a mission to improve domestic connectivity and promote regional integration within West Africa.
The airline currently operates a modern fleet of Boeing 737-800NG, Airbus A320, Embraer 190, Embraer 145 and CRJ 900 aircraft, serving 14 domestic destinations, including Abuja, Lagos, Enugu, Port Harcourt, Kano, Asaba, Benin, Owerri, Ilorin, Sokoto, Warri, Yenagoa, Anambra and Ekiti. It plans to add four more domestic routes before the end of the year.
Beyond its domestic operations, United Nigeria Airlines flies to Accra, Ghana, and has been designated by the Nigerian government to operate services to the United States, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Italy, Turkey and other regional and international destinations.
The airline has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Guinea-Bissau to support the establishment of a national carrier for the West African nation.
Strengthening Global Standards
United Nigeria Airlines recently attained the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification and is a member of the IATA Clearing House, demonstrating its commitment to global safety and operational standards.
The airline is also pursuing plans to establish a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility, a project expected to strengthen Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem by reducing reliance on overseas aircraft maintenance.
AFRAA Welcomes Nigerian Carrier
Welcoming the airline into the association, AFRAA Secretary General, Abderahmane Berthé, described the admission as a significant boost for African aviation.
“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”, Berthé said.
Okonkwo: A Defining Moment
Reacting, Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, described the membership as a defining moment for the airline and Nigeria’s aviation industry.
“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 fellow African carriers and contribute meaningfully to the realisation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). We look forward to working with AFRAA and its members to build a more integrated and competitive African aviation industry”, he said.
Driving Africa’s Single Aviation Market
AFRAA said the admission aligns with its strategic priorities of accelerating the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), promoting intra-African trade and tourism, and enhancing operational excellence among African carriers.
With its admission, United Nigeria Airlines joins more than 40 airlines across the continent that collectively account for over 85 per cent of international passenger traffic carried by African airlines, giving the Nigerian carrier a stronger platform for growth, collaboration and deeper participation in Africa’s evolving aviation landscape.