United Nigeria Airlines has been admitted as a Full Member of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), a milestone expected to strengthen Nigeria’s influence within Africa’s aviation industry and support the drive towards greater regional air connectivity.
The admission expands AFRAA’s footprint in one of Africa’s largest and fastest-growing aviation markets, while reinforcing the association’s commitment to promoting the sustainable growth of the continent’s airline industry through stronger collaboration among African carriers.
Since commencing commercial operations in February 2021, United Nigeria Airlines has steadily expanded its operations with a mission to improve domestic air connectivity across Nigeria and foster regional integration within West Africa.
The airline currently operates a modern fleet comprising Boeing 737-800NG, Embraer 145, Airbus A320, Embraer 190 and CRJ900 aircraft.
The carrier serves 14 domestic destinations, including Abuja, Anambra, Asaba, Benin, Ekiti, Enugu, Ilorin, Kano, Lagos, Owerri, Port Harcourt, Sokoto, Warri and Yenagoa, with plans to launch four additional domestic routes before the end of the year.
Beyond Nigeria, the airline operates scheduled services to Accra, Ghana, and has received designation from the Nigerian government to operate flights to the United States, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Italy, Turkey and other regional and continental destinations as it expands its international network.
The airline has also continued to strengthen its operational profile. It recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Guinea-Bissau to establish a national carrier for the West African nation.
In addition, it has secured the International Air Transport Association Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification and is a member of the IATA Clearing House, reflecting its adherence to internationally recognised safety and operational standards.
United Nigeria Airlines is also pursuing plans to establish its own Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Nigeria, a project expected to reduce the industry’s dependence on costly overseas aircraft maintenance while boosting the country’s aviation infrastructure.
Welcoming the airline into the association, AFRAA Secretary General, Mr Abderahmane Berthé, described the development as a significant addition to the organisation’s growing membership.
“We are truly excited to welcome United Nigeria Airlines into the AFRAA fraternity,” Berthé said.
He noted that Nigeria remains Africa’s most populous nation and one of its most dynamic aviation markets, adding that the airline reflects the resilience and forward-looking vision of African aviation.
According to him, AFRAA membership will provide United Nigeria Airlines with access to the association’s advocacy platforms, commercial intelligence, joint projects, capacity-building initiatives and networking opportunities designed to support its long-term growth.
“We will work to elevate their growth and advance the cause of truly unified African skies,” he added.
Speaking on the development, the Executive Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, described the admission as a defining moment for both the airline and Nigeria’s aviation industry.
He said the airline’s vision has always been to unite Nigerians and strengthen links between Nigeria and the rest of Africa, adding that membership of AFRAA would provide a stronger platform for collaboration with other African carriers.
“Joining AFRAA as a full member is a defining moment for United Nigeria Airlines and for Nigerian aviation as a whole,” Okonkwo said.
He added that the airline looks forward to contributing to the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), which aims to liberalise air transport across the continent and promote seamless connectivity.
According to him, closer cooperation among African airlines is essential for building a more integrated, competitive and sustainable aviation industry.
United Nigeria Airlines now joins more than 40 airlines within AFRAA, a membership that collectively accounts for over 85 per cent of international passenger traffic carried by African airlines.
Membership of the association provides airlines with several strategic advantages, including collective advocacy on industry issues, partnership opportunities, market intelligence, operational efficiency initiatives and joint commercial negotiations.
The airline’s admission comes at a time when African carriers are intensifying efforts to accelerate the implementation of SAATM, deepen regional integration, and stimulate intra-African trade, tourism and investment through improved air connectivity.
Industry stakeholders believe Nigeria’s strategic position as Africa’s most populous country and one of its fastest-growing economies makes it central to the successful realisation of a truly integrated African aviation market.
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