United Nigeria Airlines mulls acquisition of 12 new aircraft, regional connectivity

United Nigeria Airlines, (UNA), indigenous airline operator in Nigeria has disclosed plans to acquire 12 new aircraft as well as commence regional flights operations.

The 12 new aircraft are expected to help the airline enhance its operations to more cities across Nigeria and the African region.

This was disclosed by the airline management in a statement where the airline also stated that it will acquire two Embraer-190 aircraft, which will be delivered by the fourth quarter of the year 2023 as well as introduce 10 brand new Embraer-175 aircraft in batches within 24 months afterwards.

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Commenting on the expansion plan, Mazi Osita Okonkwo, chief operating officer of the airline, said United Nigeria Airlines is not relenting in its effort to sustain its presence in the aviation sector to further serve Nigerians better.

Okonkwo said: “We are desirous of expanding our operations. So, the acquisition of more aircraft is in accord with our business development and growth plan. We are bringing in Embrarer-190 aircraft. We expect them to be in Nigeria by the end of the fourth quarter of the year 2023.

“We are also expecting another set of aircraft thereafter – 10 brand new Embraer-17. These will help us increase our capacity for national and regional operations also.”

He disclosed that arrangements are in top gear for operations to Ghana, Angola, South Africa, Niger Republic, Cote d’Ivoire, and Senegal among other African countries.

The airline, which started operations in February 2021, with four Embraer-145 aircraft effectively services nine cities in the country, with plans to connect more Nigerian cities within the 2023 fiscal year and in line with its mantra, ‘flying to unite’.

Nick Careen, IOSA’s Senior Vice President, Operations, Safety and Security, said in his message that: “IATA is proud to recognise that United Nigeria Airlines Company Limited has been successfully registered as an IOSA Operator under the IATA Operational Safety Audit Programme (IOSA), in accordance with the provisions of the IOSA Program Manual.”