United Nigeria Airlines has been admitted as a full member of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), a milestone that strengthens the carrier’s position within Africa’s aviation industry and supports its ambition to expand regional and international operations.
The admission also reinforces AFRAA’s presence in one of the continent’s largest and fastest-growing aviation markets, while providing the Nigerian carrier with access to industry advocacy, commercial intelligence, capacity-building programmes, networking opportunities and collaborative initiatives designed to strengthen African airlines.
United Nigeria Airlines, which commenced commercial operations in February 2021, said the membership aligns with its vision of enhancing domestic connectivity, promoting regional integration and contributing to the growth of African aviation.
The airline currently operates a modern fleet comprising Boeing 737-800NG, Airbus A320, Embraer 190, Embraer 145 and CRJ900 aircraft, serving 14 domestic destinations including Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano, Enugu, Benin, Asaba, Owerri, Warri, Yenagoa, Ilorin, Sokoto, Anambra and Ekiti. It also operates regional flights to Accra, Ghana, while holding government designation to operate services to destinations in the United States, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Italy, Turkey and other regional and international markets.
Beyond route expansion, the airline has continued to strengthen its operational capabilities through key industry milestones. It recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Guinea-Bissau to support the establishment of a national carrier, achieved the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification and became a member of the IATA Clearing House. It is also pursuing plans to establish a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Nigeria to reduce reliance on overseas aircraft maintenance.
Welcoming the airline into the association, AFRAA Secretary General, Abderahmane Berthé, described Nigeria as one of Africa’s most dynamic aviation markets and said United Nigeria Airlines reflects the resilience and growth potential of the continent’s airline industry.
According to him, the airline will benefit from AFRAA’s advocacy initiatives, joint projects, commercial partnerships and technical support while contributing to efforts aimed at creating a more integrated African air transport system.
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 AFRAA membership provides a stronger platform for collaboration with other African carriers and will support the airline’s commitment to advancing the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), a continental initiative designed to liberalise air transport and improve connectivity across Africa.
As a full member, United Nigeria Airlines joins more than 40 African carriers within AFRAA, whose members collectively account for over 85 per cent of international passenger traffic carried by African airlines.
The development comes as African carriers intensify efforts to deepen regional integration, promote intra-African trade and tourism, and strengthen operational cooperation under SAATM. For United Nigeria Airlines, the membership represents another strategic step in its growth journey as it seeks to expand its network, enhance partnerships and contribute to building a more connected and competitive African aviation industry.
