United Nigeria Airlines joins league of African airlines association

The United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) has been admitted as a full member of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA) five years after it commenced commercial flight operations.

Ms Chinelo Obogo, the Head, Corporate Communications of the Airline, disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Awka.

She said that the admission of UNA would further strengthen the continental body’s presence in Nigeria, one of Africa’s largest and fastest-growing aviation markets.

“United Nigeria Airlines will now have access to our full suite of advocacy, joint projects, commercial intelligence, capacity building, and networking resources.

“AFRAA collectively represents over 85 per cent of international traffic by African airlines.

“The aim is to accelerate Single African Air Transport Market, promote intra-African trade and tourism, and enhance operational excellence across member airlines,” Obogo said.

Mr Abderahmane Berthé, the Secretary General of AFRAA, who admitted the Airline, said that the body was excited to welcome United Nigeria Airlines into the AFRAA fraternity.

Chief Obiora Okonkwo, the Executive Chairman of UNA said that becoming a full member of AFRAA was a defining moment for the company and the Nigerian aviation sector.

“AFRAA membership will be a better platform to advance that vision and contribute meaningfully to the realisation of the Single African Air Transport Market.

“United Nigeria Airlines joins a network of over 40 member airlines across the continent.

“We look forward to working with AFRAA and its members to build a more integrated and competitive African aviation industry.

“The membership of AFRAA has multiple benefits including collective advocacy, network and partnership facilitation, market intelligence, operational efficiency and joint negotiations,” Okonkwo said.

Our correspondent reports that United Nigeria Airlines commenced its commercial operations in February 2021 and covers about 14 domestic routes within Nigeria as well as Accra, Ghana.