The Executive Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, has received the Trailblazer Award in Aviation at the Daily Times Nigeria Centenary Awards, organised to commemorate the newspaper’s 100 years of existence.
The award recognises his contributions to the growth of indigenous aviation and his role in establishing and developing United Nigeria Airlines, a Nigerian-owned carrier providing domestic and regional air transport services.
Since its establishment, the airline has expanded travel options, improved connectivity between cities and contributed to economic activities through job creation and support for business and tourism.
Receiving the award, Professor Okonkwo called on the government to provide greater support for private sector businesses, noting that the sector remains one of the country’s largest employers of labour after the government.
His call comes amid ongoing efforts by private operators to sustain investments and expand capacity in Nigeria’s aviation industry, which requires significant capital, operational efficiency and strict adherence to safety and regulatory standards.
United Nigeria Airlines recently recorded another milestone in its financing activities, raising N22 billion through the first tranche of its N100 billion Commercial Paper programme. The issuance, which was oversubscribed against its initial N20 billion target, attracted strong investor interest.
The airline currently operates across 14 destinations in Nigeria and Ghana and is working towards expanding its regional operations. It also holds approvals to operate as a flag carrier to six international destinations.
An IOSA-certified operator and a member of the International Air Transport Association since 2022, United Nigeria Airlines has also signed the IATA Multilateral Interline Traffic Agreement and secured Global Distribution System agreements with Amadeus and Sabre in 2026.
These developments are expected to strengthen its international connectivity and expand access to its services through global travel distribution platforms.
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Editor: Ada Ononye
