United Nigeria Airlines Makes Historic Inaugural Flight to Accra
United Nigeria Airlines has taken a significant step in its journey by completing its inaugural flight from Lagos to Accra. This marks the airline’s first international trip and is part of its broader strategy to expand its presence across the African region.
The aircraft that carried the first passengers on this historic journey was named after the late first President of the fourth republic, Lt. Gen. Jerry John Rawlings. The naming is a tribute to his Pan-African vision and legacy, which continues to inspire the airline’s mission.
At the inauguration ceremony held at Kotoka International Airport, Chibuike Oloka, the Public Relations Officer of the airline, emphasized the importance of uniting people, communities, and tribes. He stated that the airline’s mission is not only about business but also about fostering unity across the African continent.
“We are trying to see how we can unite communities, unite people, unite places,” Oloka said. “This informed our choice of Accra as an entry point into the sub-region, considering the brotherhood between our two nations.”
Oloka explained that Rawlings was chosen as the namesake for the aircraft because his legacy perfectly aligns with the airline’s “flying to unite” motto. He highlighted that Rawlings was a key figure in driving the African vision and promoting unity among African nations.
“The late former President Jerry John Rawlings has been one person who drives the African vision,” Oloka stated. “He’s a Pan-Africanist who has always driven African unity. There is no other person more suitable or befitting to have named this aircraft after.”
The airline received a warm welcome from Fritz Baffour, a former Minister of Information under Rawlings’ government, who was delegated by the family. Oloka shared that the reception was overwhelming, making them feel like Ghanaians from the moment they arrived.
“When coming in here, we thought it was just for business… But coming in here, we know we have a family here. And for us, it is no longer about business; it is now about that mission of uniting brothers, uniting tribes, cultures and communities,” Oloka said.
Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, the Managing Director of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), officially welcomed United Nigeria Airlines as the 25th international carrier to operate at Kotoka International Airport. She expressed pride and excitement about the milestone, highlighting the growing confidence in Ghana’s aviation industry.
“It is with immense pride and excitement that we gather here to mark another significant milestone in Ghana’s aviation industry. The commencement of operations is a clear demonstration of the growing confidence in Ghana’s aviation industry and reinforces our ongoing efforts to position Ghana as the preferred aviation hub in West Africa,” she said.
United Nigeria Airlines will operate daily flights between Abuja and Accra, a route that currently faces limited competition and serves a high demand for direct capital-to-capital travel. Additionally, the airline will fly four times weekly between Lagos and Accra.
“We are trying to see how we can connect capital to capital,” Oloka explained, emphasizing the strategic importance of the Abuja-Accra link.
The airline aims to build a reputation for punctuality and excellent customer service. Future plans include introducing a night-stopping aircraft in Accra to facilitate morning departures.