United Nigeria Airlines gets approval to fly UK, 5 other countries

BrandPower Magazine 10/09/2023Last Updated: 10/09/2023

2 minutes read

The Federal Government has granted the approval of United Nigeria Airlines to begin international flights operations into six countries, including the United Kingdom.

Mr Hassan Ejibunu, Director, Air Transport Management, Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, made this known in a letter to the airline in Lagos on Sunday.

Ejibunu said the approval would enable the airline to operate international flights to United States, United Kingdom, Netherlands, Italy, Ireland and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

He said the approval was in line with subsisting Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and each of the countries.

“I am directed to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated Aug. 2, 2023 on the above subject and convey the minister’s approval for the designation of Messrs United Nigeria Airlines Company Limited.

“The airline is to operate international flight operations to the undermentioned countries and cities:

“Netherlands (Amsterdam), Italy (Rome), United Arab Emirates (UAE) (Dubai), United Kingdom (London), United States of America (USA) (Houston) and Ireland (Dublin).

“The designation of Messrs United Nigeria Airlines Company Limited is in line with the subsisting BASA between the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the governments of the six mentioned countries.

“Consequently, the airline is hereby advised to liaise with the Civil Aviation Authorities of the aforementioned countries for documentation prior to commencement of scheduled flight operations.” he said.

Ejibunu noted that the airline was obliged to comply with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulation (Nig. CARs (2023) Part 18.5.1.1 A-C.

He added that further steps must be taken to liaise with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in fulfilling the requirements.

The official said that the approval had been communicated to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for further necessary actions.

BRANDPOWER recalls that no injury was recorded Friday night when Flight U5 0513 operated by United Nigeria Airlines skidded off the runway on landing at the Runway 18L at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

An Embraer EMB145 aircraft with four crew members had 51 passengers onboard who were safely evacuated shortly after the incident.

A statement from the airline, signed by its Head, Corporate Affairs, Achilleus-Chud Uchegbu said the United Nigeria Airlines flight U5 0513 operated by its aircraft with registration 5N-BWY upon landing at Murtala Mohammed Airport Lagos aquaplaned due to a downpour.

“The aircraft which was coming in from the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport Owerri operated and landed normally but skidded off the runway upon landing. All Passengers have also been safely evacuated alongside with their luggage. No passenger was hurt in the incident,” the statement said.

It also disclosed that relevant authorities have been informed about the incident.

“Passenger safety is of utmost priority to United Nigeria Airlines. We assure our passengers that we value their safety and will not compromise on it. We shall continually work, like we have always done, to ensure that our passengers are always united with their destinations safely,” the airline also said.