BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) has named two newly acquired Boeing 737-800 Next Generation (NG) aircraft after renowned literary icon, Professor Chinua Achebe and the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe, describing the gesture as a tribute to Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage and enduring legacy.
Speaking during the unveiling ceremony in Lagos on Thursday, the Executive Chairman of the airline, Prof Obiora Okonkwo, said the decision to honour the two prominent Nigerians reflected the airline’s commitment to celebrating national icons who have contributed significantly to the country’s identity and global image.
According to him, the late Achebe, who hailed from Ogidi in Anambra State, remains one of Africa’s greatest literary ambassadors and a source of inspiration for generations.
“Professor Chinua Achebe was one of the pioneers who introduced Africa to the wider world through literature. His contributions remain invaluable, and it is fitting that his name continues to soar across the skies,” Okonkwo said, while requesting a minute’s silence in honour of the late author.
He also paid glowing tribute to the Obi of Onitsha, who attended the ceremony, describing him as a respected traditional ruler, elder statesman and custodian of cultural values.
“His Royal Majesty is an elder statesman, a respected leader, hardworking and humble in his ways, deeply traditional, and loved and admired by the public. For the first time in Nigeria, we have aircraft bearing names that carry deep significance and represent sacrifice, hope and the desire to give our nation a better direction in aviation,” he stated.
Okonkwo disclosed that the two aircraft represent the first batch of an initial order of six Boeing 737-800NG aircraft by the airline, adding that four additional aircraft are expected to arrive within the next few months.
The airline chairman noted that acquiring new aircraft had remained difficult for Nigerian operators for several years due to limited access to international aircraft financing and leasing arrangements.
He recalled that foreign lessors and financiers were once reluctant to do business with Nigerian airlines, a situation he described as a major setback to fleet expansion efforts.
According to him, the situation has improved significantly in recent years, attributing the progress to interventions by the Federal Government and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, who engaged major aircraft manufacturers and financiers to restore confidence in Nigeria’s aviation market.
Despite the fleet expansion, Okonkwo warned that airlines are currently facing mounting financial pressures arising from global geopolitical tensions, particularly the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
He revealed that rising operational costs, especially fuel-related expenses, have resulted in substantial losses for carriers over the past three months.
“I won’t pretend the industry isn’t facing real challenges right now. In the last three months alone, Nigerian airlines have absorbed enormous losses, with some operators losing close to N10 billion. Passengers should not be surprised if fares rise slightly because airlines have genuine losses to recover,” he said.
The UNA chairman also recounted the airline’s experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, when 23 of its pilots undergoing training in South Africa became stranded for nine months following the closure of international borders.
According to him, the airline continued to bear the cost of accommodation, feeding and salaries for the affected pilots throughout the period despite the severe economic disruptions caused by the pandemic.
On flight disruptions, Okonkwo appealed for patience and understanding from passengers whenever operational challenges arise.
He explained that the airline often adjusts schedules instead of outrightly cancelling flights when technical issues occur, noting that safety remains the company’s highest priority.
Citing a recent incident in Kano, he said engineers had to be flown to the city aboard another aircraft to inspect and certify a grounded aircraft before it could resume operations.
Okonkwo further highlighted the high cost of doing business in Nigeria’s aviation sector, referencing reports that rank the country among the most expensive jurisdictions globally for airline operations.
He called on the Federal Government to ensure that revenues generated for aviation agencies, particularly the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), are retained and utilised within the sector to support safety oversight, infrastructure development and regulatory functions.
The airline boss also advocated single-digit interest loans for local carriers and stronger collaboration between the Bank of Industry and commercial banks to support aircraft acquisition and fuel financing.
According to him, improved access to affordable financing would enable Nigerian airlines to expand their fleets, strengthen operational capacity and contribute more effectively to the growth of the country’s aviation industry.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
