The United Nigeria Airlines, one of the leading airlines in the country, has received approval for operation of international flights.
According to the approval by the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the airline will operate international flights to United States of America, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Italy, Ireland and the United Arab Emirates.
A letter dated 8th September 2023, conveying this approval was signed by Ministry’s Director of Air Transport Management, Mr. H. T. Ejiburu, on behalf of the Minister, Barrister Festus Keyamo, stated that the approval was in line with subsisting Bilateral Air Services Agreement between Nigeria and each of the countries.
The letter reads: “I am directed to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 2nd August 2023 on the above subject and convey the Honourable Minister’s approval for the designation of Messrs United Nigeria Airlines Company Limited to operate international flight operations to the undermentioned countries and cities: Netherlands (Amsterdam), Italy (Rome), United Arab Emirates (Dubai), United Kingdom (London), United States of America (Houston) and Ireland (Dublin).
“The designation of Messrs United Nigeria Airlines Company Limited is in line with the subsisting Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the governments of the six mentioned countries.
“Consequently, the airline is hereby advised to liaise with the Civil Aviation Authorities of the aforementioned countries for documentation prior to commencement of scheduled flight operations. However, you are obliged to comply with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulation (Nig. CARs (2023) Part 18.5.1.1 A-C by taking further steps to liaise with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in fulfilling the requirements if necessary.
“Kindly note that the approval has been communicated to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its further necessary actions”.
With Prof Obiora Okonkwo as Chairman, United Nigeria Airlines, started flight operations in 2021 and operate scheduled flights in major Nigerian cities. It had earlier obtained approval for regional flights and said it is finalising arrangements to commence regional operations upon arrival of additional aircraft from middle of October.
