A new indigenous airline, United Nigeria, on Friday, commenced operations with its inaugural flight landing in Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
The new airline started operation with Enugu, South-Eastern part of Nigeria, as its operational hub.
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The inaugural flight, operated with a 50-seater Embraer 145 aircraft, left the Murtala Muhammed terminal two (MMA2) at about 10 a.m, arriving at Enugu airport to a ceremonial water canon by officials of the Airport fire service.
Daily Trust reports that the commencement of flights by United Nigeria increased the number of airlines operating in Enugu to four.
Onboard the flight, with over 90 per cent load factor, was the Chairman of the Airline, Obiora Okonkwo while the flight on arrival was received by Enugu State Government officials, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and other dignitaries.
Desire to serve
Chairman of the airline said he was driven by the desire to serve the country and mankind while uniting the people of Nigeria with the airline.
“We saw that there is a gap in this industry and we have not made any mistake to make Enugu aviation hub.
“Enugu state government I believe will give us encouragement.
“We have been driven by service; service to the industry; service to mankind,” he said.
Okonkwo said the airline would consolidate on the domestic operations and also explore regional flights in no distant future.
“Our short term plan is to consolidate. You can see we have a base in Enugu.
“And we have to consolidate, establish all our routes and then work about expanding.
“We want to expand beyond Nigeria, starting from the West Coast; just for a start. We have a big plan.”
A gap in the East
Enugu Station Manager of the airline, Chika Adeyanju, said the airline decided to use Enugu as a base considering that most airlines operate either from Lagos, Abuja or Kano.
“We used Enugu as our operational base because this is one Nigeria and we notice that most airlines have their operational base in Abuja.
“So, we wanted to make a difference, so we decided to start from Enugu so that things will be normalised and equalised.
“Currently, our destinations are Lagos, Abuja, Enugu, Asaba, Owerri and Port Harcourt.
“These places are not saturated and we need competition. We need more airlines in Nigeria. I am optimistic that people would like to travel by air,” she said.
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, who was represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Government House, Prof. Malachy Okwueze, said the state government would support the airline to thrive.
“Enugu state government and His Excellency, in particular, is excited to welcome United Nigeria Airlines to Enugu.
“We congratulate the company, particularly the chairman of United Nigeria, for this very giant feat.
“We are excited not only because United Nigeria is now flying into Enugu but particularly because Enugu is the hub for United Nigeria.
“Enugu is the best state that any business can thrive, it is a home of peace. It is the safest State in Nigeria.
“I can assure you, on behalf of the governor, that you have not made any mistake to make Enugu your hub.
“Enugu State government will give you all the encouragement and we will continue to support you.”
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