United Nigeria Airlines Unveils Aircraft Named After Jerry John Rawlings, Set to Launch Direct Lagos-Accra Flights

In a significant stride toward strengthening West African air connectivity and promoting Pan-African ideals, United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) today, Saturday, November 8, 2025, unveiled an aircraft named after the late former President of Ghana, Jerry John Rawlings.

The unveiling was accompanied by the announcement of the commencement of direct commercial flights from Lagos–Accra and Abuja–Accra, set to begin on Monday, November 10, 2025.

The announcement was made by the Executive Chairman of the airline, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, during an arrival and departure mock exercise at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. Okonkwo stated that naming the aircraft after Rawlings, a champion of West African integration, aligns perfectly with the airline’s commitment to African unity and regional aviation leadership. He also noted that members of the Rawlings family are expected to attend the formal launch ceremony in Accra on Monday.

Regional Expansion and Fleet Boost

The new service marks UNA’s inaugural regional operation, positioning the Nigerian carrier as a key competitor in the West African aviation market. The route will see a direct capital-to-capital service, with Flight NUA 0590 departing from Abuja at 10:35 a.m. for Accra. The Abuja-Accra route will operate daily, while the Lagos-Accra service will run four times a week.

To sustain this regional expansion, UNA is massively boosting its operational capacity. Okonkwo confirmed the airline is expanding its fleet with the acquisition of six Boeing 737-800 aircraft over the next few months—a strategic move designed to deepen aviation access within the ECOWAS sub-region.

“After four years of consistent and reliable domestic operations, expanding into the region is a natural progression,” Prof. Okonkwo said. “This is not merely a business expansion; it is a bridge between nations, intended to enhance trade, tourism, and provide Nigerian travelers with viable, homegrown options instead of relying almost exclusively on foreign carriers.”

The launch of the Accra routes is anticipated to significantly boost people-to-people exchange and support trade flows between Nigeria and Ghana.