By ITOHAN ABARA-LASERIAN

The United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) is to begin direct flights to New York, U.S., in the second quarter of 2026 to celebrate five years in Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem.

The Chairman of UNA, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, made the disclosure at a press conference to mark the airline’s fifth anniversary on Thursday in Lagos.

Okonkwo said that the airline had acquired two A330-200 aircraft in a bid to achieve the aim.

He said that the two aircraft would be delivered in July and October.

According to him, the move signals an intention to establish international services beyond West Africa, with plans to eventually serve Europe.

He added that UNA was expanding its fleet, as six Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft were being acquired to bolster its regional and continental flight operations, with deliveries commencing in March.

Okonkwo said that additional four Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft were planned for.

“Our goal is to transform United Nigeria Airlines from a leading national career into a recognised continental aviation powerhouse, with strategic regional, continental and eventually intercontinental route.

“By the end of second quarter of 2026, UNA will fly direct to New York and to support this, we have already acquired two A330-200 aircraft, with cabin that is capable of flying direct from Lagos, Nigeria, to New York.

“The first of them will be delivered on July 26, and the second of them will come in October.

“To support our regional flight and continental flights, we are looking at places such as Dakar, South Africa, Dubai, Jedah.

“We have acquired six 737-800 of these aircraft, which to be delivered before the end of second quarter. Starting from the next two, three weeks, we will be taking delivery of some,” he said.

Okonkwo commended his team for working tirelessly achieve the feat.

The UNA boss said the airline was set to introduce new regional and continental routes such as Ghana and Ivory Coast, aiming to strengthen domestic mobility and deepen national integration.

He said the airline launched an in-flight magazine named “Harmony” and a new loyalty programme tagged “Unity Reward” to foster customer retention and reward frequent flyers.

Okonkwo also said the airline was demonstrating its commitment to societal development through the United Airlines Foundation.

“This foundation actively supports key areas including education, healthcare, aviation training, and broader community development initiatives within Nigeria.”

On maintenance, Okonkwo said the airline had a robust maintenance system engineers of Nigerian origin and foreigners.

He noted that the airline had migrated from Equivalent Maintenance System to Aircraft Maintenance Organisation and would soon achieve a Maintenance Repair and Overall status within the next three years

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the airline reaffirmed commitment to safety and excellent passenger experience. (NAN)