The federal government has given the go-ahead for United Nigeria Airlines to operate several international routes. This includes flights to New York, Dubai, and Canada. Officials say this move is part of a plan to boost Nigerian airlines and help them get a bigger share of international passenger traffic.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, made this announcement on Thursday. He spoke during an event where the airline introduced two new Boeing 737-800 Next Generation aircraft.
Mr Keyamo explained that these new route approvals are meant to help local airlines compete better on international routes that foreign airlines usually dominate.
"We are giving United Nigeria Airlines about four or five routes. We are giving them New York, Canada, Dubai and some other good destinations," the minister said.
He pointed out that Nigerian airlines currently handle only a small part of international passenger traffic from Nigeria, even with agreements that allow them to operate on certain routes. Foreign airlines carry between 90 and 95 percent of passengers traveling from Nigeria to places in Europe, North America, the Middle East, and other regions.
"That market belongs to Nigeria as much as it belongs to any foreign airline. Our carriers must be empowered to participate meaningfully in that space," he stated.
The minister added that these route approvals are part of the airline's expansion plans. This will help them build their capacity for future international flights.
He mentioned that the government’s aviation policy is focused on removing obstacles that have held back local airlines from growing.
Plans for fleet growth
Mr Keyamo also connected the route approvals to the government's efforts to make it easier for Nigerian airlines to acquire and lease aircraft. He shared that President Bola Tinubu has approved the creation of a Nigerian aircraft leasing company. This company aims to help local airlines get aircraft through government-supported arrangements.
He said this initiative should help lessen some of the financial challenges that have held back local airlines from expanding.
The minister emphasized that the government prefers to support privately owned Nigerian airlines rather than revive a state-owned national airline. He believes that many successful global airlines work in ways that limit political interference and improve efficiency.
This route announcement came as United Nigeria Airlines revealed two new Boeing 737-800NG aircraft. They are named after the Obi of Onitsha, Nnaemeka Achebe, and famous Nigerian writer, Chinua Achebe.
This acquisition is part of the airline's fleet expansion plan. PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that the airline lost approximately N10 billion over three months. They blamed this on rising operating costs and increased aviation fuel prices due to disruptions in global oil supply routes.
Despite these financial struggles, the airline said it is still dedicated to expanding its operations and improving connections in both local and international markets.
Mr Keyamo also mentioned that the federal government is collaborating with the Abia State Government to develop the proposed Abia International Airport. He said the long-term goal is for United Nigeria Airlines to set up a major hub at the airport when it is finished.
The minister also repeated plans to turn the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu into a dedicated cargo hub. This will serve businesses in the South-east. Discussions are ongoing to enable direct cargo flights between China and Enugu. This is expected to enhance trade logistics for importers and exporters in the area.
Mr Keyamo said reforms from the past two and a half years are starting to show positive results in the aviation sector. He noted that the government has spent a lot of time talking with operators, regulators, and other stakeholders to address long-standing industry issues before making policy changes.
READ ALSO: Keyamo speaks on China-Enugu cargo flights
"We took the issues one after another and focused on creating an environment where airlines can grow sustainably," he stated.
Industry stakeholders at the event also noted improvements in aircraft financing, regulatory processes, and technical training. They stressed the need for continued investment to help Nigeria’s aviation sector grow. They agreed that expanding access to newer aircraft and boosting local technical skills would be crucial for Nigerian airlines to compete better in regional and international markets.
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