United Nigeria Airlines Honors Jerry Rawlings, Launches Ghana Routes
United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) has announced the launch of direct flights connecting Lagos and Abuja to Accra, while dedicating an aircraft to former Ghanaian President Jerry John Rawlings in recognition of his contributions to West African integration.
During a mock flight exercise at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, UNA Chairman Prof. Obiora Okonkwo unveiled plans for the new international routes. The formal unveiling ceremony of the Rawlings-named aircraft is scheduled for Monday in Accra, with members of the late president’s family expected to attend.
The airline’s expansion into West African routes comes alongside plans to add six aircraft to its fleet in the coming months. This strategic move aims to enhance connectivity within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) region and provide Nigerian travelers with domestic alternatives to foreign carriers that currently dominate regional air travel.
Prof. Okonkwo, who is also a prominent figure in the All Progressives Congress (APC), highlighted the significant market potential, noting that the Lagos-Accra route alone serves over 200,000 passengers annually. The airline’s entry into the Abuja-Accra route has already impacted the market, reportedly causing a 50 percent reduction in fares on that corridor.
Addressing safety concerns, the chairman emphasized that Nigerian aviation maintains high safety standards, with pilots undergoing certification every six months – more frequently than the annual requirements in Europe and the United States.
However, Okonkwo raised concerns about Nigeria’s aviation tax structure, which he described as among Africa’s highest. He pointed out that while Ghana charges $60 for international passenger service, Nigeria charges $100. A round-trip Lagos-Accra ticket can incur over $116 in taxes alone, before additional surcharges.
The UNA chairman called for government intervention through reduced taxation and simplified aviation financing, emphasizing that robust air connectivity is crucial for economic growth. “There is no trillion-dollar economy without flight connectivity,” he stated, highlighting aviation’s role as an economic enabler.
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