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…Airline Strengthens Collaboration with Travel Agents as It Expands Regional Operations
In a significant move to consolidate its regional expansion and fortify partnerships within the travel industry, United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) has hosted a Strategic Agency Forum in Lagos ahead of the commencement of its new Abuja–Accra and Lagos–Accra flight services set to launch on 10 November 2025.
The high-profile event, held at Protea Hotel, Lagos, drew together an impressive gathering of travel and ticketing agents, industry regulators, and corporate travel stakeholders.
Among those present were representatives of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA), as well as top industry players such as Sabre, Wakanow, American Express Travels, and Orih Travels, alongside a host of independent agents and tour operators.
Declaring the forum open, Mrs Ifeoma Ekwerike, Head of Business Development and Strategy at United Nigeria Airlines, underscored the strategic relevance of the Accra route to the airline’s broader vision for regional connectivity.
She explained that the Nigeria–Ghana air corridor, one of the most dynamic in West Africa, records over 240,000 passengers annually, reflecting strong demand and immense growth potential.
“United Nigeria Airlines is entering the Accra market with the firm intention of setting new service standards – with reliable schedules, modern aircraft, and competitive fares that reflect real value,” Ekwerike said. “From November 10, we shall begin daily direct non-stop flights from Abuja to Accra and four weekly flights from Lagos to Accra, ensuring travellers enjoy seamless connectivity between both nations.”
She further noted that the airline’s commitment to excellence is matched by its efforts to empower its travel agency network, offering attractive incentive schemes and commission structures to enhance profitability and long-term collaboration.
United Nigeria Airlines, which already operates flights across 14 domestic destinations, has in recent months expanded its fleet with the addition of two Airbus A320-200s and one CRJ-900, as part of its continuous modernisation drive.
Speaking at the forum, Chief Operating Officer, Mazi Osita Okonkwo, reaffirmed the airline’s mission to deepen its operational capacity and service quality through fleet expansion and technology-driven processes.
He revealed that plans are already underway to acquire six Boeing 737-800 aircraft to support the airline’s growth into new regional and international markets.
“Our agents remain the face of our brand and indispensable partners in our success story,” Okonkwo declared. “We will continue to work closely with you to deliver exceptional value to passengers and sustain our shared growth trajectory. The opportunities in Nigeria’s travel and tourism industry are vast, and together, we can unlock them.”
Okonkwo also emphasised that United Nigeria Airlines’ forthcoming Accra operations will be a game-changer for business and leisure travellers seeking reliability, comfort, and convenience in regional air travel.
The event, which blended formal presentations with interactive sessions, ended on an uplifting note with a lucky dip draw conducted by the Chief Commercial Officer, Mr Raphael Uchegbu. Several lucky agents won complimentary return tickets to Accra on the airline’s inaugural flight.
In his closing remarks, Uchegbu expressed gratitude to the agency community for their loyalty and contributions to the airline’s growth, promising continuous engagement and improved support systems for their operations.
As United Nigeria Airlines counts down to its Accra route launch on November 10, the carrier continues to affirm its guiding philosophy of “Flying to Unite.” The airline’s strategic engagement with its travel partners marks another milestone in its mission to build bridges across West Africa, strengthen Nigeria’s aviation footprint, and offer passengers dependable air travel experiences.
With an expanding fleet, growing destination network, and deepening industry partnerships, United Nigeria Airlines is fast emerging as a symbol of confidence and connectivity within Africa’s competitive aviation landscape.
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