….reveals expansion plans, with new routes
United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) Founder and Chairman, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, has lauded President Bola Tinubu’s forex policies for significantly easing the challenges faced by domestic airline operators.
Speaking at UNA’s fourth-anniversary celebration in Abuja, Okonkwo highlighted the improved access to foreign currency for crucial transactions, contrasting it with the previous difficulties that led to contract losses and vendor issues.
He also acknowledged the positive impact of domesticating the Cape Town Convention, which has helped reduce operational costs.
While praising these developments, Okonkwo stressed that multiple charges levied by approximately twenty government agencies remain a major obstacle for domestic airlines.
The UNA chairman urged the government to streamline these charges, which he described as crippling the already thin profit margins in the industry.
He also called for the creation of a program enabling domestic operators to access single-digit interest loans, emphasizing the need to compete with international airlines that enjoy such financial advantages.
The airline operator argued that access to credit is essential for expansion and improved staff welfare.
As regards unruly behaviour by passenger, he said this is a significant challenge, noting instances of assaults on staff and damage to airport equipment.
He appealed to the media to collaborate in educating the public about their rights and obligations as travelers, acknowledging that airlines often go above and beyond standard practices to satisfy passengers.
Despite these challenges, UNA has announced expansion plans, with new routes added to Benin, Kano, and Sokoto.
Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer, Mazi Osita Okonkwo, revealed that the airline recently renewed its operating certificate and is in the advanced stages of preparing for regional and international flights.
He also proudly announced that UNA engineers had independently replaced aircraft landing and nose gears without foreign assistance, a first for the industry.
The airline aims to operate to 25 destinations by 2026, with further fleet expansion underway.
