According to a statement made accessible to HowNG, United Nigeria Airlines has gained authorisation to operate international flights to the United States of America, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Italy, Ireland, and the United Arab Emirates.
According to an official letter obtained by our correspondent in Abuja on Sunday from the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, the clearance was in accordance with the existing Bilateral Air Services Agreement between Nigeria and each of the countries.
The letter, dated September 8, 2023, from the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development to United Nigeria Airlines Company Limited was signed by Director, Air Transport Management, H.T. Ejiburu, on behalf of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
The letter reads, “I am directed to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated 2nd August 2023 on the above subject and convey the Honourable Minister’s approval for the designation of Messrs United Nigeria Airlines Company Limited 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 Bilateral Air Services Agreement (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. However, you are obliged to comply with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulation (Nig. CARs (2023) Part 18.5.1.1 A-C by taking further steps to liaise with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in fulfilling the requirements if necessary.
“Kindly note that the approval has been communicated to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its further necessary actions.”
According to HowNG, United Nigeria Airlines began scheduled flights in key Nigerian cities in 2021, with Prof Obiora Okonkwo as Chairman. The airline had previously acquired approval for regional flights, and they are now finalizing plans to begin regional operations in a few weeks, following the arrival of their additional aircraft in the middle of October.
