Coming out of a difficult Covid-19 season and successful establishment despite all odds with its inaugural flight on February 12, 2021, United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) recently celebrated Five Years of Successful operations and resilience.
Speaking on the anniversary during a World Press Conference on February 12, 2026 at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, the Chairman of the airline, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo said: “It was a journey we started with four aircraft; ERJ 145, an aircraft we chose deliberately after a very good market research to enable us develop our routes. It was our plan that we should change the aircraft and scale up in two years, but that plan did not come to fruition because of other stumbling blocks and hurdles outside our control. But thank God today; from that four aircraft, we have in our Ops-Specs 10 operating aircraft of different sizes from big to medium. From Enugu we are uniting our different passengers with 16 cities and one regional flight to Ghana.”
Within two years of its existence, the airline acquired IOSA Certification; an unprecedented feat in IATA’s history and a testament that the airline maintains international safety standards. The airline also became a member of IATA with a commitment to global best practices with a team of highly dedicated aviation professionals who embody excellence, discipline and service, including cockpit and cabin crews, Engineers, dispatchers, ground officers, and under graduates through its internship programmes.
Sharing the roadmap for the next five years, the Chairman revealed that the airline’s ambition is to transform UNA from a leading national carrier into a recognized continental aviation powerhouse, with strategic regional, continental, and eventually intercontinental routes anchored on three main pillars: Excellence in Passenger Experience, Sustainable Growth & Partnerships and, Impact Beyond Aviation.
UNA plans to grow its fleet by acquiring six B737-800NG aircraft with negotiations at advance stages for an additional three of the same aircraft type set for delivery starting from March to the end of 2nd quarter 2026. The airline also leased two A330-200 wide body aircraft to support its international operations due to be delivered between July and October 2026 with first delivery on 26th of July. On the strength of these deliveries, the airline Plans to commence international flights to Gulf States, Europe and America by summer 2026 including flights to Dubai, Jedah, Rome, New York, and the UK.
Furthermore, the airline unveiled three key initiatives geared towards achieving its future goals, namely; the launch of its in-flight magazine, “Harmony;” introduction of the Unity Rewards Loyalty Programme with an initial bonus offer of 2000 miles for passengers who register; as well as the birth of the UNA Foundation to support education, healthcare, aviation training, and community development programmes across Nigeria.
“Five years ago, this dream began as a vision. Today, it is a reality that we can all be proud of. The next five years will demand courage, innovation, and dedication — but I am confident that together, we will soar even higher. As we celebrate our 5th anniversary, let us not only reflect on what we have achieved, but also embrace the limitless possibilities that lie ahead,” the Chairman enthused.
