The Institute of Nigerian Aeronautical Engineers (INAE) has conferred its prestigious Gold Medal Award on the Executive Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, recognising his leadership in building a safety-driven airline, expanding indigenous engineering capacity and steering sustained growth despite one of aviation’s most difficult periods.
The award, presented during the INAE’s International Conference and Fellowship Conferment in Lagos, highlights four achievements that distinguished the airline: a strong safety culture, investment in engineering talent, resilience through the COVID-19 crisis and rapid fleet and network expansion. Together, the accomplishments have positioned United Nigeria Airlines among Nigeria’s fastest-growing carriers.
INAE recognises safety culture and engineering excellence
Presenting the award, INAE National President, Dr. Ebitei Charles, said the honour is reserved for individuals whose contributions have significantly advanced aeronautical engineering and aviation development in Nigeria.
The institute, a division of the Nigerian Society of Engineers regulated by the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), said Prof. Okonkwo successfully guided United Nigeria Airlines through an exceptionally challenging operating environment while maintaining high engineering and safety standards.
Although the airline chairman was unable to attend the ceremony, the Director of Continuing Airworthiness, Alex Iheuwa, and Chief Pilot, Capt. Joan Obasi-Ibraheem, received the award on his behalf.
Dr. Charles said the airline’s commitment extends beyond commercial operations to developing future aviation professionals through its internship programme for aeronautical engineering students.
He noted that the initiative is helping to build indigenous technical expertise needed to strengthen Nigeria’s aviation sector and reduce dependence on foreign maintenance capabilities.
“The recognition reflects our shared commitment to advancing safety standards, modernising infrastructure and building indigenous engineering capacity,” Dr. Charles said.
According to him, the airline’s rigorous safety culture and consistent investment in technical manpower have strengthened professionalism across the aviation industry despite prevailing economic challenges.
He added that such initiatives would ultimately improve aircraft performance, reduce maintenance costs and support the long-term sustainability of Nigerian airlines.
Reacting to the honour, Prof. Okonkwo described the award as recognition of the philosophy upon which United Nigeria Airlines was founded.
“This recognition validates everything we have worked to build an operation rooted in safety and sustained investment in capacity,” he said.
The latest recognition adds to a growing list of milestones for the airline since commencing commercial operations in February 2021.
Meanwhile, the carrier has expanded its modern Boeing fleet and now operates more than 15 domestic and regional destinations, including Accra, Ghana. In addition, it recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Guinea-Bissau to support the establishment of that country’s national airline.
United Nigeria Airlines has also strengthened its international standing by obtaining the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification, joining the IATA Clearing House and securing Full Membership of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA).
However, one of the defining moments in the airline’s history came during the COVID-19 pandemic. Speaking at the unveiling of two Boeing 737-800NG aircraft in June, Prof. Okonkwo recalled how 23 pilots undergoing training in South Africa became stranded for nine months after international borders closed.
Despite the unprecedented disruption, the airline continued paying the pilots’ salaries and accommodation throughout the period.
Reflecting on that difficult chapter, Okonkwo said the airline remained focused on survival and operational continuity.
“We kept flying, and that was what kept us alive,” he recalled.
The INAE award therefore recognises more than business success. It acknowledges leadership that combined safety, engineering excellence, workforce development and resilience at a time when many airlines struggled to survive.
The INAE award ceremony also honoured Arik Air and Xejet, while the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Capt. Chris Najomo, and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, received honorary fellowships from the institute in recognition of their contributions to Nigeria’s aviation industry.
