United Nigeria Airlines has been admitted as a full member of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), marking a significant milestone for the fast-growing Nigerian carrier and strengthening AFRAA’s footprint in one of Africa’s most active aviation markets.
The airline confirmed the development in a statement, noting that its admission reflects AFRAA’s broader objective of promoting sustainable growth and deeper collaboration within Africa’s aviation industry.
Founded in February 2021, United Nigeria Airlines said it was established to improve domestic air connectivity and support regional integration across West Africa. The carrier currently operates a mixed fleet of Boeing 737-800NG, Embraer 145, Airbus A320, Embraer 190 and CRJ 900 aircraft.
It presently serves 14 domestic destinations, including Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Owerri, Benin, Asaba, Ilorin, Warri, Sokoto, Yenagoa and Ekiti, with plans to expand further routes in the near future.
The airline also operates flights to Accra, Ghana, and says it has been designated by the Federal Government to operate international routes to destinations such as the United States, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Italy and Turkey, as part of its long-term expansion strategy.
United Nigeria Airlines further disclosed that it recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the government of Guinea-Bissau to support the development of a national carrier, while also achieving the International Air Transport Association Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification.
It is also a member of the IATA Clearing House, a platform that facilitates financial settlement among global airlines.
According to the airline, it is also working towards establishing its own Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility to reduce dependence on foreign maintenance services and strengthen Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem.
Speaking on the development, AFRAA Secretary General, Abderahmane Berthé, welcomed the airline into the association, describing Nigeria as a key aviation market in Africa and United Nigeria Airlines as a reflection of the continent’s growing and resilient airline industry.
He said membership of AFRAA would give the airline access to advocacy platforms, commercial intelligence, capacity-building programmes and partnership opportunities aimed at improving operational efficiency and promoting collaboration among African carriers.
The airline’s Executive Chairman, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, described the admission as a defining moment for both the company and Nigerian aviation, saying it aligns with its vision of connecting Nigerians and strengthening regional air links across Africa.
He added that AFRAA membership would provide a stronger platform for collaboration with other African airlines and support efforts to advance the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), which seeks to liberalise and integrate air transport across the continent.
With its inclusion, United Nigeria Airlines joins more than 40 African carriers under AFRAA, which collectively account for a significant share of international air traffic operated by African airlines.
Industry stakeholders said the development is expected to enhance Nigeria’s role in continental aviation integration while opening up new opportunities for partnership, market expansion and operational efficiency within Africa’s air transport sector.
