UNITED Nigeria Airlines (UNA) Chairman Prof. Obiora Okonkwo has urged the government to implement reforms critical for the survival of Nigeria’s aviation sector, highlighting challenges such as rising operational costs and aircraft shortages.
During the unveiling of two new Boeing 737-800NG aircraft, named after the late Prof. Chinua Achebe and the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe, at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, Okonkwo emphasized the necessity of policy interventions to alleviate financial pressures on domestic airlines, which operate in one of the world’s most expensive aviation markets.
The United Nigeria Airlines chairman advocated for reducing multiple charges on operators and revising the revenue-sharing structure to allow aviation agencies to retain more revenue for infrastructure development.
He also noted significant financial losses due to travel disruptions but expressed optimism about UNA’s future and the importance of collaboration among stakeholders.
“In the last three months, the industry may have lost N10 billion due to disruptions in air travel, though this is not peculiar to Nigeria,” he said.
Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo reaffirmed government support for indigenous airlines through favorable policies, including reforms aimed at enhancing aircraft financing and increasing local participation in international routes.
“Whatever policy we bring in, the first question is whether it supports local airlines. If it does not, we drop it,” he said.
“We do not have a national airline, but we are proud of our flag carriers. Our focus is to support them, help them grow, and ensure they can compete globally,” he added.
Keyamo revealed plans for the establishment of a national aircraft leasing company and efforts to develop Lagos into a regional aviation hub.