AFRAA Welcomes United Nigeria Airlines to Continental Body
United Nigeria Airlines has become a Full Member of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), reinforcing Nigeria’s growing influence in African aviation. The admission also expands the association’s footprint in one of Africa’s largest and fastest-growing aviation markets.
The development highlights AFRAA’s commitment to building a stronger and more integrated airline industry across the continent. It also provides United Nigeria Airlines with greater opportunities for collaboration, advocacy and business growth within Africa.
AFRAA membership gives the airline access to collective advocacy, commercial partnerships, market intelligence, operational efficiency programmes and joint negotiations. These benefits are expected to improve competitiveness while supporting sustainable growth across the African aviation sector.
Speaking on the admission, AFRAA Secretary General, Mr. Abderahmane Berthé, welcomed the airline into the association.
“We are truly excited to welcome United Nigeria Airlines into the AFRAA fraternity. Nigeria is Africa’s most populous nation and one of its most dynamic aviation markets, and United Nigeria Airlines exemplifies the resilient, forward-looking spirit of the African airline industry.”
He added: “At AFRAA, United Nigeria Airlines will now have access to our full suite of advocacy, joint projects, commercial intelligence, capacity building, and networking resources. We will work to elevate their growth and advance the cause of truly unified African skies.”
The Executive Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, described the milestone as a defining moment for both the airline and Nigeria’s aviation industry.
“Joining AFRAA as a full member is a defining moment for United Nigeria Airlines and for Nigerian aviation as a whole. Our vision has always been to unite Nigerians and connect them more closely to the rest of the continent.”
He continued: “AFRAA membership gives us a stronger platform to advance that vision, collaborate with our fellow African carriers, and contribute meaningfully to the realisation of the Single African Air Transport Market. We look forward to working with AFRAA and its members to build a more integrated and competitive African aviation industry.”
The airline’s admission aligns with AFRAA’s strategic priorities of accelerating the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), promoting intra-African trade and tourism, and improving operational excellence among member airlines. Therefore, Nigeria remains central to efforts aimed at creating a seamless continental air transport network.
United Nigeria Airlines began commercial operations in February 2021 to improve domestic connectivity and strengthen regional integration in West Africa. The carrier operates a fleet comprising Boeing 737-800NG, Embraer 145, Airbus A320, Embraer 190 and CRJ900 aircraft across 14 domestic destinations.
Meanwhile, the airline has expanded beyond Nigeria with services to Accra, Ghana. It has also secured designation by the Nigerian government to operate services to the United States, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, Italy, Turkey and other regional destinations as opportunities arise.
In addition, the airline recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Guinea-Bissau to support the establishment of a national carrier. It has also attained the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification and membership of the IATA Clearing House, demonstrating its commitment to international safety and operational standards.
United Nigeria Airlines is equally pursuing plans to establish its own Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility. The project is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem by reducing reliance on expensive overseas aircraft maintenance.
As a Full Member, United Nigeria Airlines joins more than 40 airlines under the AFRAA umbrella. Collectively, the association’s members account for over 85 per cent of international passenger traffic carried by African airlines.
The latest admission comes as African carriers intensify efforts to implement SAATM fully. Consequently, AFRAA continues to position itself at the centre of initiatives aimed at liberalising air travel, improving connectivity and creating a more competitive African aviation industry.
