United Nigeria Airlines has achieved a significant milestone by securing approval for international flight operations to several prominent destinations, including the United States of America, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Italy, Ireland, and the United Arab Emirates. This noteworthy development, disclosed in a statement provided to The PUNCH, signifies a new era for the airline.
The approval, as confirmed in a letter from the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, aligns seamlessly with the existing Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASA) between Nigeria and these nations. The missive, dated September 8, 2023, and sighted by our correspondent in Abuja, bears the signature of H.T. Ejiburu, Director of Air Transport Management, acting on behalf of Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development. It is addressed to the United Nigeria Airlines Company Limited.
In the official communication, the letter states, “I am directed to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 2nd August 2023 on the above subject and convey the Honourable Minister’s approval for the designation of Messrs United Nigeria Airlines Company Limited to operate international flight operations to the undermentioned countries and cities: Netherlands (Amsterdam), Italy (Rome), United Arab Emirates (UAE) (Dubai), United Kingdom (London), United States of America (USA) (Houston), and Ireland (Dublin).”
The approval extends due to the airline’s adherence to the established Bilateral Air Services Agreements between Nigeria and these six countries. As a result, United Nigeria Airlines is urged to liaise with the relevant Civil Aviation Authorities of these nations for necessary documentation before commencing scheduled flight operations. Furthermore, they are reminded of their obligation to comply with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulation (Nig. CARs (2023) Part 18.5.1.1 A-C) and encouraged to collaborate with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) as required.
The letter concludes by informing the airline that the approval has been communicated to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to initiate the necessary follow-up actions.
United Nigeria Airlines, under the leadership of Chairman Prof Obiora Okonkwo, commenced flight operations in 2021, focusing on scheduled flights within major Nigerian cities. Notably, the airline had previously obtained approval for regional flights and is currently in the final stages of preparations to initiate regional operations in the coming weeks upon the arrival of additional aircraft, expected in mid-October. This expansion marks a significant stride in the airline’s journey to become a key player in the international aviation arena.
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