United Nigeria Airlines, UNA, says it will commence cargo operations at the Ekiti Airport in January 2027, with plans to introduce daily passenger flights to the state.
The airline’s Executive Chairman, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, made this known on Monday at the inauguration of Reeve Energy Limited’s aviation fuel tank farm facility at the airport.
Okonkwo said the cargo service would enable businesses to transport agricultural produce and other goods from Ekiti to destinations across Nigeria and internationally.
He assured Governor Biodun Oyebanji that the airline would be the first to lift commercial cargo from the airport once the state was ready, adding that daily passenger flights would also commence soon.
The airline chairman said the partnership with the Ekiti State Government followed the government’s independent assessment of the airline’s capacity and operational strength. He noted that the airline had accepted reduced passenger loads on some flights during periods of low demand as part of its commitment to the partnership.
Professor Okonkwo also described United Nigeria Airlines as the country’s second-largest consumer of aviation fuel after Air Peace, expressing confidence that the new tank farm would support its growing operations by improving fuel availability at the airport.
Meanwhile, Governor Oyebanji said his administration was working to complete critical airport infrastructure upgrades by the end of the year to facilitate round-the-clock operations.
He listed improvements to the Instrument Landing System, ILS, and an aerodrome ground lighting project valued at more than ten billion naira among the ongoing projects.
The Governor explained that the completion of the projects would enable aircraft to land at the airport at any time, improving operational capacity and connectivity.
He added that the state was also pursuing an independent power producer to guarantee reliable electricity and make the airport self-sufficient.
Oyebanji commended Reeve Energy Limited for investing in the state and assured private investors of continued government support, expressing optimism that the airport’s expanding infrastructure and services would strengthen economic activities and create new opportunities for businesses in Ekiti.
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(Editor: Terverr Tyav)
