United Nigeria Airlines, a relatively new player in the African aviation industry, has revealed its plans to expand its fleet and network reach in the coming years.
The Nigerian carrier intends to acquire two Embraer E190 jets and ten E175 aircraft, signaling its commitment to growth and development. The new additions are expected to enhance the airline’s capacity for domestic and regional operations while supporting its ambitious expansion plans across various African countries.
However, the airline has recently faced challenges with its current fleet, prompting a closer look at safety measures and maintenance practices.
Expansion Plans and Fleet Addition
United Nigeria Airlines, founded in 2020 and commencing operations in February 2021, has quickly set its sights on growth and expansion. The airline’s director of operations, Mazj Okonkwo, announced the company’s intent to acquire two Embraer E190 jets, which are expected to be delivered by the end of 2023. Additionally, the airline plans to introduce ten brand new Embraer E175 aircraft over a 24-month period. These acquisitions align with United Nigeria’s business development and growth plan, allowing for increased capacity and improved connectivity within Nigeria and beyond.
Network Expansion and Future Prospects
United Nigeria Airlines aims to extend its operations to several African countries, including Ghana, Angola, South Africa, Niger Republic, Cote d’Ivoire, and Senegal. The airline’s Chief Operating Officer, Osita Okonkwo, stated that arrangements are underway to facilitate these operations, demonstrating the carrier’s ambitions to become a regional player in the African aviation market.
“We are desirous of expanding our operations. So, the acquisition of more aircraft is in accord with our business development and growth plan. We are bringing in Embrarer-190 aircraft. We expect them to be in Nigeria by the end of the fourth quarter of year 2023,” Okonkwo said. “We are also expecting another set of aircraft thereafter – 10 brand new Embraer-175. These will help us increase our capacity for national and regional operations also,” Okonkwo told MarketForces Africa noting that plans are in motion for operations to Ghana, Angola, South Africa, Niger Republic, Cote d’Ivoire, and Senegal among other African countries.
Safety Concerns and Maintenance Practices
Despite United Nigeria Airlines’ expansion plans, recent safety incidents involving its current fleet have raised concerns about the airline’s maintenance practices. Last week, one of the carrier’s ERJ 145 jets with registration number 5N-BWW veered off the side of the runway excursion at Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos. The aircraft was operating a flight from Abakaliki in Ebonyi State carrying 50 passengers and three crew members. No injuries were reported according to the airline.
The same jet, registration 5N-BWW, had an engine failure in November 2021. It was discovered during the investigation of the incident that the aircraft’s data recorder had been out of order for several months
