On June 18, 2026, United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) held a ceremony at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed Airport to introduce two Boeing 737-800NG aircraft to its fleet. Chairman Professor Obiora Okonkwo honored Nigerian heritage by naming the planes after the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, and the acclaimed author, the late Professor Chinua Achebe.
Professor Okonkwo highlighted the airline’s perseverance, noting the struggles faced during the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent industry challenges. He emphasized that these acquisitions represent a commitment to the nation’s future in aviation. The Obi of Onitsha expressed his gratitude during the event, calling the recognition an overwhelming honor.
Allen Onyema, Chairman of Air Peace, attended the unveiling to support the growth of local carriers, advocating for collaborative competition within the sector. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, reinforced the government’s stance on supporting domestic flag carriers to increase Nigeria’s share of the international aviation market.
Beyond the new aircraft, UNA recently gained admission into the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Multilateral Interline Traffic Agreement (MITA). This milestone allows the airline to establish code-sharing partnerships globally. According to company spokesperson Chibuike Uloka, this transition is a significant step toward launching international routes to destinations including the United Kingdom, the United States, and South Africa within the coming two years.
