The Executive Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines (UNA), Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, has been honoured with the Gold Medal Award of the Institute of Nigerian Aeronautical Engineers (INAE) in recognition of the airline’s strong safety culture, investment in capacity building and remarkable growth despite operating in a challenging economic environment.
The prestigious award was presented at the INAE International Conference and Fellowship Conferment ceremony held in Lagos on Wednesday.
According to the institute, the honour is reserved for individuals whose contributions have significantly advanced the field of aeronautical engineering and the development of Nigeria’s aviation industry.
Presenting the award, INAE National President, Dr. Ebitei Charles, said Okonkwo was recognised for leading United Nigeria Airlines through rapid expansion within five years of its establishment, while navigating the severe disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the global economic downturn.
Although Okonkwo was not physically present at the event, he was represented by the airline’s Director of Continuing Airworthiness, Alex Iheuwa, and Chief Pilot, Capt. Joan Obasi-Ibraheem.
Charles noted that the recognition reflects a shared commitment between the institute and the airline in advancing aviation safety, modernising infrastructure and developing indigenous engineering capacity.
He particularly commended United Nigeria Airlines’ internship programme for aeronautical engineering students, describing it as a strategic contribution to nurturing the next generation of aviation professionals.
The INAE President also praised the airline’s rigorous safety culture and resilience in maintaining high professional standards despite the difficult operating environment facing Nigerian carriers.
According to the institute, such efforts are critical to building the specialised engineering expertise required to optimise aircraft performance, reduce maintenance costs and ensure the long-term sustainability of Nigeria’s aviation industry.
United Nigeria Airlines was among several organisations and individuals recognised at the event. Arik Air and Xejet also received honours, 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.
Reacting to the award, Okonkwo described the recognition as a validation of the airline’s founding philosophy.
He said the honour reaffirmed the carrier’s commitment to building an operation rooted in safety, professionalism and sustained investment in human capacity.
The latest recognition added to a growing list of milestones for the airline, which has continued to expand despite industry headwinds.
Speaking during the unveiling of two Boeing 737-800NG aircraft in Lagos in June, Okonkwo recalled one of the carrier’s most difficult periods during the COVID-19 pandemic when 23 pilots undergoing training in South Africa were stranded for nine months following the closure of international airspace.
He said that despite the uncertainty, the airline continued paying their salaries and covering accommodation costs throughout the period, demonstrating its commitment to its workforce.
United Nigeria Airlines commenced commercial operations in February 2021 and has since grown into one of Nigeria’s rapidly expanding carriers, operating more than 15 routes, including international services to Accra, Ghana.
The airline has also recorded significant achievements this year, including signing a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Guinea-Bissau to support the establishment of a national carrier, securing the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification, joining the IATA Clearing House and gaining full membership of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA).