United Nigeria Airlines will continue expanding and seeking to increase its fleet to house 16 aircraft in the next few years. With an enhanced fleet, the carrier also seeks to broaden its route capacity to more cities across Nigeria and the African region within the same period.
About United Nigeria Airlines
Founded in 2020, United Nigeria Airlines is a privately owned Nigerian airline. After receiving its Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) in 2021, the airline started operations, marking its official entry into the aviation industry.
The airline’s inaugural flight between Lago Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA) and Enugu International Airport (ENU) occurred in February 2021, only 11 days after the carrier received its AOC.
United Nigeria Airlines has its headquarters in Enugu, and a second office in Abuja operates from its hub at Enugu International Airport. The airline commenced operations with a fleet of four aircraft, flying to multiple cities in Nigeria, including Asaba, Abuja, Anambra, Enugu, Owerri, Lagos, Yenagoa, Osubi, and Port Harcourt.
The carrier’s fleet currently consists of four Embraer ERJ145 jets, each with a capacity of 50 seats. According to data from Planespotters.net, these aircraft have an average age of 21.1 years. Previously, the airline leased an Airbus A320 jet to support its operations.
Increasing the fleet size of United Nigeria
United Nigeria Airlines has revealed details about expanding its aircraft fleet and plans to increase its route network. The carrier announced that it will acquire two Embraer E-190 aircraft, which will be delivered by the fourth quarter of 2023. Followed by ten new Embraer E-175 aircraft, which will be delivered in batches over the following two years. United Nigeria Airlines Chief Operating Officer said:
“We are desirous of expanding our operations. So, the acquisition of more aircraft is in accord with our business development and growth plan. We are bringing in Embrarer-190 aircraft. We expect them to be in Nigeria by the end of the fourth quarter of the year 2023. We are also expecting another set of aircraft thereafter – 10 brand new Embraer-175. These will also help us increase our capacity for national and regional operations.”
Okonkwo added that the planes are underway to start operations in Ghana, Angola, South Africa, Niger Republic, Senegal, and Cote d’Ivoire, among other African countries.
Other news
On May 31, 2023, the United Nigeria Airlines’ Embraer ERJ145, registered 5N-BWW, was flying a domestic flight between Abakaliki and Lagos Murtala Muhammed International Airport. The Embraer ERJ145 aircraft, carrying 50 passengers onboard, landed on runway 18L at Lagos. However, the aircraft veered off the designated runway while landing, resulting in a runway excursion. United Nigeria said the aircraft landed safely but was forced to “terminate its movement to the apron off the runway.”
No passengers suffered any injuries, and the incident is currently being investigated by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to determine the factors that contributed to the incident.
This was not the first time a United Nigeria ERJ145 had been involved in an incident. In 2021, while flying between Abuja and Lagos, the aircraft experienced an engine flame-out, resulting in an emergency landing. The aircraft safely landed back at Abuja on a single engine.
Bottom line
With United Nigeria focusing more on expanding its presence in the African region and Nigeria, additional destinations in the former may not be surprising. For the first time in the carrier’s history, it will have the capacity to grow its route network.