The Executive Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, has received the Trailblazer Award in Aviation at the Daily Times Nigeria Centenary Awards, held to commemorate the newspaper’s 100 years of existence.
The award recognised Okonkwo’s entrepreneurial vision, leadership and contribution to the growth of indigenous aviation in Nigeria.
Okonkwo is the founder of United Nigeria Airlines, an indigenous carrier established to expand domestic air travel options and improve connectivity across the country. Through his investment in the sector, he has provided passengers with more travel choices, supported business and tourism activities, generated employment and enhanced access to air transportation.
Establishing and sustaining an airline requires substantial capital investment, operational discipline, strict regulatory compliance and an unwavering commitment to safety and passenger service. Okonkwo’s role in building and growing United Nigeria Airlines underscores the importance of private enterprise in strengthening Nigeria’s aviation industry and creating economic opportunities.
Speaking after receiving the award, the airline executive called on the government to provide greater support for private-sector businesses, stressing their critical contribution to employment generation and national economic development.
He argued that the private sector remains the country’s largest employer of labour after the government, making its growth and sustainability essential to economic progress.
Meanwhile, United Nigeria Airlines has recorded a significant milestone in the capital market, following the successful closure of the first tranche of its ₦100 billion Commercial Paper (CP) programme, through which it raised ₦22 billion.
The issuance was oversubscribed, with investor demand exceeding the ₦20 billion target, indicating confidence in the airline’s financial performance, growth strategy and credit profile.
Following the strong response, the airline absorbed 10 per cent of the excess subscription and refunded the balance to subscribers whose applications could not be fully accommodated.
The carrier currently operates flights to 14 destinations across Nigeria and Ghana and is finalising plans to expand its regional operations. It also holds approvals to operate as a flag carrier to six international destinations.
United Nigeria Airlines is an International Air Transport Association (IATA) Operational Safety Audit (IOSA)-certified operator and has been an IATA member since 2022. It is also a full member of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA).
In 2026, the airline signed the IATA Multilateral Interline Traffic Agreement and secured Global Distribution System (GDS) agreements with Amadeus and Sabre, providing travel agents worldwide with access to its ticket inventory.