United Nigeria Airlines has said that it would soon spread its operations to three intercontinental routes even as it plans to add 10 aircraft to its fleet before the end of the second quarter of 2026.
This was made known by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the airline, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, during the world press conference held at Sherator Hotels and Towers Ikeja Lagos to commemorate 5th anniversary of the airline.
Recalling its inaugural flight of February 12, 2021 with just four narrow-body aircraft on one route Lagos – Enugu, Okonkwo happily disclosed that the airline which now operates 10 aircraft and connects 16 Nigerian states and operates to Accra, Ghana, plans to embark on long haul ddestinations which include Dubai, Jeddah, Rome, New York and the United Kingdom by summer of 2026.
“Our ambition is clear: to transform United Nigeria Airlines from a leading national carrier into a recognised continental aviation powerhouse. We plan to start additional six regional and continental routes on or before the second quarter of 2026. These routes include but not limited to Dakar, Monrovia, Johannesburg etc. Plans are in advance stage to commence international flights to Gulf states, Europe and America by summer 2026 everything being equal. These destinations include, Dubai, Jeddah, Rome, New York, UK etc,” Okonkwo said.
To ensure the seamless take off of the planned route expansion, he disclosed that the airline has acquired six Boeing 737-800 Next Generation aircraft and negotiations are being finalised for three additional aircraft of the same type to be delivered from March 2026, With expected arrival of the first two aircraft and the rest before the end of the second quarter.
He also revealed that the airline has leased two Airbus A330-200 aircraft to support intercontinental services. The first aircraft will arrive on July 26, 2026, and he second is expected between July and October 2026.
The Chief Executive Officer of United Nigeria Airlines said: “To add to our existing 10 Aircraft in our Opspec as at today, we have acquired six numbers of 737 – 800 NG from Southwest Aviation and finalising negotiations for additional 3 numbers of the same aircraft type all scheduled to be delivered before the end of 2nd quarter, starting from March 2026 when we take delivery of the first two aircraft. We had also leased 2 numbers A330 – 200 wide body aircraft to support our international operations from Anka Aviation Turkey, to be delivered between July and October 2026 with first delivery on 26th of July, amongst other aircraft acquisition negotiations that deliveries may mature beyond 2026,”
On maintenance, he revealed that United Nigeria has migrated from equivalent maintenance systems to an Approved Maintenance Organisation structure. This transition, according to him lays the foundation to establishment of a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul facility within three years.
“We have migrated from equivalent maintenance systems to AMO as a prelude to our MRO within the next three years,” he stated.
Reflecting on the journey of United Nigeria Airlines, acknowledged the challenges faced since its inception especially during COVID-19 pandemic when nobody was ready to fly, Prof Okonkwo said: “Nigeria’s aviation environment is complex from COVID-19 era shutdowns to regulatory hurdles, currency volatility and infrastructure constraints. Yet, each challenge strengthened our resolve and sharpened our focus.”
He however said within the five years, UNA became a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and achieved IOSA certification within two years of operations milestones.
Okonkwo however disclosed that the airline has the intention of going public within the next three to five years.
Meanwhile the airlime used the occasion of the 5th anniversary to unveil initiatives such as “Harmony,” its inflight magazine, “Unity Rewards,” its loyalty programme, and the UNA Foundation focused on education, healthcare and aviation training
Speaking on the UNA Foundatiion, Okonkwo, “United Nigeria Airlines is more than a business — it is a force for positive impact. Through the UNA Foundation, we will support education, healthcare, aviation training, and community development programmes across Nigeria. Our foundation embodies our belief that success is meaningful only when it uplifts society as a whole.”
