United Nigeria Airlines Joins AFRAA as Full Member

United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) has been admitted as a full member of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), marking a major milestone for the carrier just five years after it commenced commercial flight operations and reinforcing Nigeria’s growing influence in Africa’s aviation industry.

The airline announced the development in a statement issued on Monday by its Head of Corporate Communications, Ms. Chinelo Obogo, describing the membership as a strategic achievement that will enhance the airline’s operational capacity, expand partnerships and strengthen its contribution to regional air connectivity.

According to Obogo, the admission into AFRAA gives United Nigeria Airlines access to the association’s broad range of services, including policy advocacy, commercial intelligence, capacity-building programmes, networking opportunities and collaborative industry projects designed to improve airline performance across the continent.

She noted that AFRAA represents more than 85 per cent of international passenger traffic handled by African airlines, making it the continent’s foremost aviation body driving industry growth and integration.

Obogo said the airline’s inclusion would also deepen AFRAA’s presence in Nigeria, one of Africa’s largest and fastest-growing aviation markets, while supporting initiatives aimed at promoting intra-African trade, tourism and seamless air transportation.

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She added that the association remains committed to advancing the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), a continental initiative expected to improve connectivity, boost competition and lower travel barriers across Africa.

Welcoming the Nigerian carrier into the association, AFRAA Secretary General, Mr. Abderahmane Berthé, expressed delight over the airline’s admission, saying the organisation looks forward to working closely with United Nigeria Airlines in advancing the objectives of African aviation.

Executive Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Chief Obiora Okonkwo, described the admission as a defining moment not only for the airline but also for Nigeria’s aviation sector.

He said membership of AFRAA aligns with the airline’s vision of contributing to a more integrated, efficient and competitive African aviation industry while supporting the realisation of the Single African Air Transport Market.

Okonkwo noted that the airline now joins a network of more than 40 African carriers working collaboratively to improve air transport across the continent through knowledge sharing, operational cooperation and strategic partnerships.

He added that AFRAA membership offers significant advantages, including collective advocacy on industry issues, enhanced market intelligence, network expansion, operational efficiency and opportunities for joint negotiations that can improve service delivery and competitiveness.

United Nigeria Airlines commenced commercial operations in February 2021 and currently operates flights across about 14 domestic destinations in Nigeria, alongside regional services to Accra, Ghana. The AFRAA membership is expected to support the airline’s continued growth and strengthen its role in connecting Nigeria with the rest of Africa.