United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) has announced plans to commence direct international flights to New York by the end of the second quarter of 2026, marking a major milestone in the carrier’s expansion strategy.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos to commemorate the airline’s fifth anniversary, chairman of UNA, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, disclosed that the airline has ordered 11 additional aircrafts, including two Airbus A330-200 wide-body jets and six Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft, to support its regional and intercontinental expansion.
According to him, the first A330-200 will be delivered on July 26, 2026, while the second will arrive in October 2026.
“We are starting some regional and international routes by the end of the second quarter of this year. One of the A330-200 aircraft will be delivered to us by July 26, while the second will come in by October.
By the end of the second quarter, we will fly direct to New York,” Okonkwo said.
He further revealed that the airline plans to launch six additional regional and continental routes on or before the second quarter of 2026, including routes to Dakar, Monrovia, and Johannesburg. Preparations are also at advanced stages to begin international services to Dubai, Jeddah, Rome, New York and the United Kingdom by summer 2026.
To strengthen its existing fleet of 10 aircraft, the airline has acquired six Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft from Southwest Aviation and is finalising negotiations for three additional aircraft of the same type.
Deliveries are scheduled to begin in March 2026, with all expected to be delivered before the end of the second quarter of the year.
Additionally, UNA has leased two A330-200 aircraft from Anka Aviation Turkey to support its long-haul operations, with deliveries slated between July and October 2026.
As part of efforts to reduce costs and improve operational efficiency, Okonkwo disclosed that the airline has migrated from an equivalent maintenance system to a certified Aircraft Maintenance Organisation (AMO) framework, as a prelude to establishing its own Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility within the next three years.
The chairman, however, expressed concern over the lack of adequate transit facilities at Nigerian airports, urging relevant authorities to address infrastructure gaps to enhance operational efficiency and reduce passenger waiting time.
Outlining the airline’s five-year roadmap, Okonkwo said UNA aims to transform from a leading national carrier into a recognised continental aviation powerhouse, with strategic regional, continental and intercontinental routes.
“This roadmap is anchored on three pillars: Excellence in Passenger Experience through investment in modern aircraft, innovative in-flight services and customer-focused digital solutions; Sustainable Growth and Partnerships by expanding responsibly, leveraging strategic alliances and growing our cargo and ancillary services; and Impact Beyond Aviation by supporting communities, nurturing talent and giving back through initiatives that extend beyond the airport and the skies,” he said.
United Nigeria Airlines commenced operations on February 12, 2021, with its inaugural flight from Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, to Akanu Ibiam Airport, Enugu.
Reflecting on its journey over the past five years, Okonkwo noted that the airline has grown from operating a single route with four narrow-body aircraft to a fleet of 10 aircraft serving 16 cities across Nigeria, with its first regional destination in Ghana recently added.
“We have carried millions of passengers safely and earned the trust of the Nigerian public and international partners,” he said.
He added that the airline joined the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and achieved IOSA certification within 2 years of operations, underscoring its commitment to global safety standards.
Okonkwo acknowledged the challenges within Nigeria’s aviation sector, including the COVID-19 pandemic, regulatory hurdles, infrastructure limitations, currency volatility and operational pressures, noting that these challenges have strengthened the airline’s resolve.
On flight delays, he appealed to passengers for understanding, explaining that some delays are safety-related and not deliberate attempts to inconvenience travellers.
As part of its anniversary celebrations, the airline unveiled its in-flight magazine, Harmony, launched its loyalty and frequent flyer programme, Unity Rewards, and inaugurated its foundation.
