United Nigeria Airlines has been admitted as a full member of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA), a move expected to strengthen the airline’s presence across Africa and boost collaboration within the continent’s aviation industry.
AFRAA announced the development on its official platform, describing the membership as a significant step towards promoting a more connected and competitive African aviation sector through partnership, advocacy and capacity building.
The admission also reinforces AFRAA’s efforts to expand its presence in Nigeria, one of Africa’s largest and fastest-growing aviation markets.
Welcoming the airline into the association, AFRAA Secretary General, Abderahmane Berthé, described United Nigeria Airlines as a resilient and forward-looking carrier that would add value to the organisation.
“We are delighted to welcome United Nigeria Airlines into the AFRAA family. Its membership will provide access to policy advocacy, commercial partnerships, industry intelligence, capacity building and networking opportunities that will support its growth,” Berthé said.
He added that the partnership would contribute to the association’s broader vision of creating a more integrated African aviation industry.
Reacting to the development, Executive Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, described the admission as a major milestone for both the airline and Nigeria’s aviation sector.
According to him, joining AFRAA aligns with the airline’s long-term vision of improving connectivity within Nigeria and expanding access to destinations across Africa.
Okonkwo said the membership would provide a stronger platform for collaboration with other African airlines while supporting the implementation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) initiative.
He expressed confidence that closer cooperation among African carriers would improve connectivity, enhance operational efficiency and deliver better services to passengers across the continent.
United Nigeria Airlines currently operates a fleet that includes Boeing 737-800NG, Airbus A320, Embraer 190, Embraer 145 and CRJ 900 aircraft, serving 14 domestic destinations, including Abuja, Lagos, Enugu, Owerri, Port Harcourt, Kano, Benin, Asaba and Yenagoa.
The airline also operates international flights to Accra, Ghana, and has been designated by the Nigerian government to operate routes to the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, Italy, Turkey and several other regional and international destinations.
With its admission, United Nigeria Airlines joins more than 40 African airlines under AFRAA, whose members account for over 85 per cent of international passenger traffic carried by African carriers.
