In what signals a significant expansion of its business, United Nigeria Airlines (UN, Enugu) has received approval to operate intercontinental flights to six countries, including the United States (US), United Kingdom (UK), The Netherlands, Italy, Ireland, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the airline announced in a statement.
It said approval was granted in line with the relevant bilateral air service agreements and announced in a letter to the airline on September 8 by the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, signed by Air Transport Management Director H.T. Ejiburu on behalf of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo. The airline now would liaise with the countries' regulators to fulfil standard requirements for the commencement of flights.
Destinations approved include Amsterdam Schiphol, Rome Fiumicino, Dubai International, London Heathrow, Houston Intercontinental, and Dublin International. The airline did not disclose its plans regarding the commencement of intercontinental services.
Last month, it received permission from Ghana's Civil Aviation Authority for scheduled passenger and cargo operations to Accra in what will be the Nigerian airline's first international/regional service.
Chief Operating Officer Osita Okonkwo recently announced the airline was acquiring Airbuses for long-haul routes. It is also acquiring two E190s to be delivered by 4Q23 and ten E175s to arrive in batches within 24 months.
The airline's fleet currently comprises four in-house EMB-145LRs, the ch-aviation fleets module reveals. Founded in 2020, the carrier currently services domestic routes to major Nigerian cities.
