United Nigeria Airlines has expanded its fleet with the addition of two new Boeing 737-800NG aircraft at Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2 (MM2) in Lagos.
The two aircraft have been officially named in honour of two prominent Nigerian figures: the late literature icon, Prof. Chinua Achebe and His Royal Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha.
In a statement, the airline said it took delivery of the two aircraft registered 5N-CFC and 5N-CFB on Friday, June 13.
It stated that the gesture of naming the aircraft after the two distinguished Nigerians is to celebrate Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and honour them for their contribution to national development.
“It was a day to celebrate Nigeria’s rich culture and heritage while honouring the man who gave Africa a voice to the world through literature and the royal father who carries the wisdom of a generations-old throne,” the airline stated.
A ceremony for the official unveiling of the aircraft, which held on Thursday, June 18 at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, was attended by dignitaries, including Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo; Abia State governor, Dr Alex Otti; Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe; Chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyema and Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo.
In a post on his X handle, Minister Keyamo said the deal to get the aircraft started in 2024 in the US, when he led Nigerian airline operators to Boeing in Seattle, Washington, to forge a deeper partnership between Boeing and Nigeria to boost domestic airlines’ fleets.
The aviation minister commended Okonkwo for “tenaciously” following through, which led to the conclusion of a deal for the acquisition of the aircraft.
He stressed that the focus of the government is “to assist private operators and businesses to grow by formulating the right policies to assist them.”
Speaking at the event, Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, commended the Chairman and founder of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo for what he considered as a “thoughtful gesture of immortalizing” the distinguished Nigerians whose contributions have significantly shaped society.
In a post on his X handle, Otti pointed out that “Honouring excellence and service inspires future generations and strengthens our collective national identity.”
He noted that the acquisition of the aircraft is a testament to the growing confidence in Nigeria’s aviation sector and the resilience of indigenous operators.
The Abia governor also hailed the aviation minister for his leadership’s reforms focused on creating an enabling environment for private-sector participation in the aviation industry.
He also expressed support for ongoing efforts to strengthen local airlines through innovative initiatives such as aircraft leasing arrangements, which, according to him, “will enhance competitiveness, improve access to aviation assets, and support sustainable growth across the sector.”
Meanwhile, the United Nigeria Airlines disclosed that four more aircraft are expected in the coming months to join the fleet and boost its operations on both local and international routes.
Victor Ezeja is a Nigerian journalist skilled in producing insightful news analyses, feature stories, and interviews that simplify complex issues and drive informed public discourse. His work combines rigorous research, balanced reporting, and compelling storytelling to highlight developments shaping industries and society. Victor, who holds a Master's Degree in Mass Communication, specializes in energy, aviation, business, and economic reporting. He can be reached via @VICTOREZEJA on X