United Nigeria Airlines has celebrated its fifth anniversary with an ambitious growth blueprint that includes new continental and intercontinental routes, fleet expansion, and the launch of passenger-focused initiatives, as the carrier positions itself to evolve from a domestic operator into a recognised aviation powerhouse.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday themed “From Vision to Velocity – Five Years of United Growth: Charting the Next Frontiers,” the Chairman of the airline Prof Obiora Okonkwo, described the anniversary as a defining milestone for an airline that began operations on 12 February 2021 with a single inaugural flight from Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, to Akanu Ibiam Airport, Enugu.
He told journalists and industry stakeholders that the occasion symbolised “not just a date on the calendar – it is a milestone in the journey of a dream that took flight five years ago,” adding that the airline’s progress reflected resilience through operational and economic challenges.
Over the past five years, the carrier has expanded from an initial concept built around one route and four narrow-body aircraft to a fleet of ten aircraft serving 16 cities across Nigeria and its first regional destination in Ghana. According to the Chairman, the airline has transported millions of passengers safely while earning the confidence of both local travellers and international partners.
He emphasised that attaining membership of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and securing IOSA safety certification within two years of operations underscored the company’s commitment to global aviation standards and operational discipline.
Okonkwo 
noted that the airline’s growth had occurred despite a demanding operating climate characterised by pandemic-era shutdowns, infrastructure constraints, regulatory complexities and currency volatility. “Nigeria’s aviation environment is complex… yet each challenge strengthened our resolve and sharpened our focus,” he said, explaining that the anniversary theme captured the transition from vision to accelerated performance.
Looking ahead, the airline unveiled a five-year roadmap built on three strategic pillars: improving passenger experience, ensuring sustainable expansion through partnerships, and creating social impact beyond aviation.
The Chairman stated that investments would be directed towards modern aircraft, digital travel solutions and enhanced inflight services, while partnerships would be leveraged to expand networks and strengthen cargo and ancillary revenue streams.
He also announced the creation of the UNA Foundation, which will support education, healthcare, aviation training and community development programmes nationwide, stressing that corporate success “is meaningful only when it uplifts society as a whole.”
Among the immediate initiatives launched to support the new strategy is Harmony, the airline’s inflight magazine, designed to showcase destinations, cultures and passenger stories.
Another is Unity Rewards, a loyalty programme intended to reward frequent travellers with exclusive benefits and deepen customer engagement. “This is our way of saying: we see you, we value you, and we celebrate your journeys with us,” he said.
Operational expansion plans feature prominently in the airline’s outlook. Management disclosed that six additional regional and continental routes – including destinations such as Dakar, Monrovia and Johannesburg – are scheduled to commence on or before the second quarter of 2026.
Preparations are also said to be at an advanced stage for long-haul services to the Gulf region, Europe and North America, with cities such as Dubai, Jeddah, Rome, London and New York listed as prospective destinations for launch by summer 2026, subject to regulatory approvals and logistical readiness.
Fleet growth is expected to underpin these ambitions. The airline announced it has acquired six Boeing 737-800 Next Generation aircraft from Southwest Aviation and is finalising negotiations for three more of the same type, with deliveries slated to begin in March 2026 and conclude before the end of the second quarter.
In addition, two Airbus A330-200 wide-body aircraft have been leased from Anka Aviation of Turkey to support international operations, with deliveries scheduled between July and October 2026, the first arriving on 26 July. Further aircraft acquisition talks are ongoing for deliveries beyond 2026.
The Chairman also revealed that the airline has transitioned from equivalent maintenance systems to an Approved Maintenance Organisation framework as a precursor to establishing its own Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facility within three years.
A relocation to a new corporate headquarters in Ikoyi, Lagos, is planned for later in 2026.
Expressing appreciation to partners and stakeholders, he credited financial institutions including Zenith Bank Plc, the Bank of Industry and Afreximbank for their support, and praised the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, for policies he said were strengthening Nigeria’s aviation sector.
He also acknowledged the regulatory role of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority and collaboration with agencies such as the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency.
In a notable gesture of industry camaraderie, he commended Air Peace Chairman Allen Onyema, describing him as “arguably Nigeria’s most successful aviation entrepreneur” whose example had helped shape United Nigeria Airlines’ strategic outlook.
Concluding his remarks, the Chairman reflected on the airline’s journey from concept to operational reality, stating that the next phase would demand innovation, courage and collective dedication.
He affirmed that the company’s workforce, partners and passengers remain central to its achievements and future aspirations, declaring that the airline entrusts its continued growth “to God Almighty, to pilot us to another five years of growth, innovation, and harmony in the skies.”
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