United Nigeria Airlines has said that it has secured six 737–800NG aircraft from Southwest Aviation to support the airline’s international operations.
This is just as the airline celebrates its 5th year anniversary today February 12, 2026 by introducing three initiatives which includes: In-flight magazine, , Harmony, Unity Rewards, its loyalty programme and UN Foundation that will make positive impact on education, health-care and aviation.
This was disclosed by the Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof Obiorah Okonkwo at a well attended world press conference in Lagos today.
Recall that the airline commenced flight operations in February 12,2021
He added that between good 10 and 11 additional aircraft will be brought in for international operations.
Speaking on fleet expansion, the Chairman said, “To add to our existing 10 Aircraft in our Opspec as at today, we have acquired six numbers of 737 – 800 NG from Southwest Aviation and finalising negotiations for additional 3 numbers of the same aircraft type all scheduled to be delivered before the end of 2nd quarter, starting from March 2026 when we take delivery of the first two aircraft. We had also leased 2 numbers A330 – 200 wide body aircraft to support our international operations from Anka Aviation Turkey, to be delivered between July and October 2026 with first delivery on 26th of July, amongst other aircraft acquisition negotiations that deliveries may mature beyond 2026. 7. MRO” he said.
On Maintenance Repair and Overhaul(MRO) , Okonkwo said that in the next three years,the airline will establish an MRO to guarantee efficient maintenance and to save cost.
On when the airline will be at the Stock Exchange market to enable Nigerians can invest in it, Okonkwo, said that the plan is in the pipeline.
Speaking on the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), the Chairman said that United Nigeria Airlines is more than a business and that it is a force for positive impact.
He added that through the UNA Foundation, ‘we will support education, healthcare, aviation training, and community development programs across Nigeria. Our foundation embodies our belief that success is meaningful only when it uplifts society as a whole.”
The Chairman said that the airline has grown from a single route vision and 4 narrow body aircraft to a multiple fleet of 10 aircraft, uniting 16 cities across Nigeria and now reaching its first regional destination in Ghana.
The airline, he said has achieved a lot within the five years of its existence.
“We have carried millions of passengers safely, and in doing so, earned the trust of the Nigerian public and international partners.We became an IATA member, a recognition of our operational standards and commitment to global best practices, and IOSA certified in a record time of 2 years of operations, testament to our international safety standards.Alongside growth, we have built a team of dedicated aviation professionals who embody excellence, discipline, and service. These include but not limited to both cockpit and cabin crews, Engineers, dispatchers, ground officers, under graduates through our internship programmes etc. They all obtain world class training both in Nigeria and overseas,” he said.
He commended its financial partners, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo for supporting the domestic airlines with the Cape Town Convention, the regulatory body,the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority ( NCAA), the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria(FAAN),ground handling companies and the media for their unflinching support.
He said these critical stakeholders contributed to the rapid growth of the airline .
He said that these achievements would not have been possible without the support of the airline’s dedicated staff
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