United Nigeria Airlines has announced plans to expand its fleet to 11 aircraft by the end of the second quarter of 2026 as it moves to deepen domestic operations and commence long-haul international services.
The Chief Executive Officer, Prof Obiora Okonkwo, disclosed the plans on Thursday, highlighting the carrier’s growth journey since its launch in February 2021. The airline began operations with four narrow-body aircraft on the Lagos-Enugu route. It now operates 10 aircraft, connects 16 Nigerian states, and has commenced regional flights to Accra, Ghana.“To add to our existing 10 aircraft, we have acquired six 737–800 NG from Southwest Aviation and are finalising negotiations for an additional three of the same type, scheduled for delivery before the end of the second quarter, starting March 2026 with the first two aircraft,” Okonkwo said.
He added that the airline had leased two A330–200 wide-body aircraft from Anka Aviation Turkey to support international operations, with deliveries expected between July and October 2026, starting on July 26.
Our ambition is clear: to transform United Nigeria Airlines from a leading national carrier into a recognised continental aviation powerhouse. We plan to start six additional regional and continental routes in the second quarter of 2026. These include Dakar, Monrovia, and Johannesburg, with plans for Gulf states, Europe, and North America—Dubai, Jeddah, Rome, New York, the UK—by summer 2026,” Okonkwo stated.
The UNA chairman also announced that the airline has transitioned from equivalent maintenance systems to an Approved Maintenance Organisation structure, as a precursor to establishing a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul facility within three years.
Reflecting on UNA’s five-year journey, Okonkwo acknowledged operational challenges including COVID-19 shutdowns, regulatory hurdles, currency volatility, and infrastructural constraints. “Yet, each challenge strengthened our resolve and sharpened our focus,” he said.UNA has achieved International Air Transport Association membership and IOSA certification within two years of operations. The airline also unveiled initiatives including its in-flight magazine “Harmony,” the “Unity Rewards” loyalty programme, and the UNA Foundation, focusing on education, healthcare, and aviation training.