Aviation News

AS part of efforts to improve operational excellence, transfer skills and support long-term growth of Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem, Boeing has partnered with Aviation Techniks Academy (ATT Academy) to deliver a six weeks specialised training engagement delivered by Boeing for personnel from United Nigeria Airlines and ValueJet Aviation. The Boeing Technical Maintenance Training Programme will hold at the ATT Academy, which will serve as the host training facility, providing a professional learning environment for the programme. CEO, Aviation Techniks and Training International Limited, Odutola Joshua Olawale, hailed the partnership, noting that bringing together aviation giants means a lot to the industry and will open it up to world class opportunities.  Expressing optimism that the training will provide opportunities in terms of expansion and transfer of skills and knowledge, he said traveling abroad to access this level of specialised training has become harder but with Boeing coming to Nigeria, he described it as a big win for the industry. He added that ongoing reforms have renewed investors’ confidence in the sector and predicted a boom in Nigeria’s air travel business in the nearest future. Speaking, Executive Sales Director, African region, Boeing commercial airplanes, Moore Ibekwe Jnr, said four factors have boosted the aviation sector n Nigeria. He went on to list access to credit and dry lease, improved technical capabilities, improved airport infrastructure and a stronger regulatory environment as the factors that have repositioned the industry in recent times. He revealed that an MoU between Boeing and Nigeria, with nine pillars, was signed in August 2024. “We intend to enhance technical support and have specialists some in from time to time to maintain the Boeing aircrafts operating in the Nigerian airspace among other things. We also talked about airline operational safety support. We have several initiatives to work with the NCAA on improving air safety in Nigeria.” He added that the understanding also covers airport infrastructure development, improving the runways and airport infrastructure. He stressed that aircraft maintenance has always been a major issue and with their forecast of 1200 airplanes to be delivered on the continent in the next 20 years; about 77,000 aviation professionals will be needed to maintain these aircrafts. “The service industry is a huge one and worth about $130 billion. Bringing in these airplanes would create jobs not just directly but also indirectly and develop the capabilities of our people as well.” He said their goal is to ensure Nigeria is one of the countries in Africa with a fully well developed aviation sector, promising that a lot will change over the next few years. Consul General of the United States consulate in Lagos, Rick Swart, hailed the partnership, saying it will help young Nigerians develop capability in the sector without having to leave the country. Hailing the thriving aviation sector in the country, he highlighted the company’s long-standing commitment to the sector. “Boeing continues to invest in the people who keep Nigeria’s aviation industry moving safely and efficiently and today’s training programme is just another example of that commitment. Our efforts at the U.S. mission in Nigeria is to advance economic growth and strengthen commercial ties between the U.S and Nigeria. “Companies like Boeing help strengthen critical sectors of the economy by bringing world-class technology, expertise, innovation and training to the market. In 2025, bilateral trade between both countries grew by 15 per cent or $15 billion, making Nigeria the US’ number two trading partner in Africa.” He vowed to continue to work with the Nigerian government and private sector to support stakeholders to expand trade, encourage investment and support economic growth, with the aviation sector being a key part of this. He noted that by investing in workforce development, Boeing is helping to strengthen aviation safety, improve operational excellence and support the long-term growth of Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem. “Across Africa, nearly 70 per cent of commercial aircraft in service are Boeing airplanes, underscoring the company’s long-standing partnership with the continent’s aviation trajectory. We appreciate Boeing’s commitment to developing the next generation of aviation professionals and look forward to continued collaboration that strengthens the commercial trade ties between the US and Nigeria,” he said. Representing the minister of aviation and aerospace development, Festus Keyamo, Special Adviser, foreign direct investment and capital improvement programs, Samuel Obafemi Bajomo, hailed the partnership, noting that repressive policies that were holding back the aviation sector have been reviewed in the last few years. He said this partnership stems from those reforms and a market that has opened up. “We’ve been able to restore lessor confidence and brought back one of the largest lessors in the world to Nigeria after 10 years.” He said the next step is building capacity and talent development to better serve the sector. “Like Moore said, training, building capacity, technology transfer, increasing capacity in terms of technical knowledge and technology for our operators, engineers and service providers is key and this is something that Boeing has been doing. Managing Director, United Nigeria airlines, Osita Okonknwo, hailed the training, noting its importance to the sector. He said a training of this magnitude would ordinarily have been done in England, expressing happiness at bringing it to Lagos. Managing Director, ValueJet, Captain Omololu Majekodunmi, also hailed the partnership, adding that it would be great to see a Boeing stimulator in Nigeria so they don’t have to take that money out of Nigeria. “In the next 15 years or so, it would be great also to start assembling Boeing aircrafts here in Nigeria. We would have built the capacity and manpower,” he said.

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ValueJet, Capt Omololu Majekodunmi, Tuesday, urged American aircraft manufacturer, Boeing, to establish a flight simulator in Nigeria. Majekodunmi said it would reduce foreign exchange outflows, lower training costs and improve aviation safety. He spoke as Boeing commenced the first tranche of its advanced technical training programme for Nigerian airline engineers, hosted by Techniks and Training Academy, ATT Academy, in Lagos. The training, which stems from a 2024 Memorandum of Understanding between Boeing and the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, is taking place from June 16 to July 29 and will train 16 engineers from Nigerian carriers, United Nigeria Airlines and ValueJet. Majekodunmi said hosting the training in Nigeria had helped save foreign exchange and delivered economic benefits. Speaking during the opening ceremony, he said: “We have saved foreign exchange that would otherwise have been spent abroad. Also, our engineers, both from United Nigeria Airlines and ValueJet, can all be in the same classroom receiving the same quality of training. “Meanwhile, we want to see a Boeing simulator in Nigeria. We don’t have to take the money out again. It is also about safety. I have been in this business for seven years, and if, for any reason, you do something wrong or there is a procedural error, the airline, the Director of Flight Operations or the company simply pulls you offline and says: ‘please go back to the simulator for the next one, two or three days and repeat that procedure.’ It is not easy to do that under the current arrangement. “You can’t do it in this kind of economy. I can’t send you to America or the UK for a simulator procedure that lasts only three days. But when you have a simulator within your environment, it becomes much easier. We would also like to see, perhaps in the next 10 to 15 years, Boeing aircraft being assembled in Nigeria.” Also speaking at the event, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, said policy reforms introduced by the current administration were driving investments into the aviation sector, adding that there was also a need to build technical and human capacity. Keyamo, represented by his Senior Special Adviser on Foreign Direct Investment and Capital Improvement Programmes, Samuel Bajomo, said: “What Boeing has been doing in accordance with our existing MoU is centred on one of its key pillars, which is training. Training, capacity building, technology transfer, and increasing technical knowledge and expertise for our operators, engineers and service providers are among the major contributions Boeing has been making. “Also, in terms of driving investments, there have been a lot of policy reforms introduced by the current administration. These policy directions have helped open up the industry. “So, Nigeria is on the cusp of positioning itself to ensure it has the technical capacity, human capital and industry readiness to take advantage of the opportunities coming its way. I really appreciate the efforts of industry players, especially the Airline Operators of Nigeria and other airline operators.” Meanwhile, Managing Director of United Nigeria Airlines, Mr Osita Okonkwo, said: “I think it is through this kind of relationship and teamwork that Nigeria’s aviation sector market will be developed and fully exploited by Nigerians, rather than leaving the market for others to exploit. In terms of aircraft, personnel and training, this capacity building will be one of the first steps towards making that a reality. We are happy that Boeing has come on board, and more importantly, that this is evolving into a long-term relationship.” For his part, Executive Sales Director, Africa Region, Commercial Airplanes at Boeing, Moore Ibekwe, noted that the global aerospace giant was exploring pathways to assist domestic operators, adding that Nigeria’s improved standing on the Cape Town Convention compliance index has significantly eased lessor anxieties regarding fund tracking.

United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) has officially gone live on the Amadeus Global Distribution System (GDS), a move the airline says marks a major milestone in its commercial and distribution strategy. The integration means travel agents, corporate clients, and travel management companies around the world can now search, book, and manage United Nigeria Airlines flights directly through the Amadeus platform, instantly boosting the carrier’s visibility and accessibility across the global travel marketplace. Speaking on the launch, United Nigeria Airlines’ Chief Commercial Officer, Adedayo Olawuyi, described the Amadeus integration as a major leap forward for the airline’s distribution capabilities. “Our integration with Amadeus represents a major leap forward in our commitment to providing convenient and efficient access to our services. It opens up United Nigeria Airlines to a wider global audience and strengthens our ability to serve both domestic and international travelers through trusted travel partners, while also enabling us to scale distribution, deepen market penetration, and enhance overall customer convenience. With this launch, UNA joins a network of leading global carriers leveraging Amadeus GDS to deliver improved booking experiences, real-time inventory access, and enhanced fare management capabilities,” Olawuyi said. The airline has recently added more Boeing 737-800NG aircraft to its fleet, with a new addition set to be unveiled on Thursday, June 18,  a development the carrier says will help it meet rising passenger demand and improve operational efficiency. UNA also confirmed it is exploring regional expansion opportunities and new strategic partnerships aimed at strengthening connectivity and supporting long-term growth across its network. Reacting to the partnership at UNA’s Lagos office, Amadeus Regional General Manager, Yaan Gilbert said the deal underscores the company’s broader strategy for Africa’s aviation sector. “This major partnership perfectly illustrates Amadeus’ core commitment: focusing and investing deeply in Africa to support the region’s booming aviation market, modernize travel tech infrastructure, and connect local carriers to the global stage.

United Nigeria Airlines has announced it has received two new aircraft to expand its operations, add more destinations in its domestic and regional services. The newly delivered equipment is a Boeing 737-800NG aircraft, bearing registration numbers 5N-CFC and 5N-CFB.  A statement from the airline said the aircraft are named in honour of two distinguished figures: His Royal Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe (Obi of Onitsha), a revered traditional ruler and custodian of cultural heritage, and the late Professor Chinua Achebe, Africa’s literary giant whose works reshaped global narratives about Africa.  United Nigeria Airlines said the double dedication to these notable figures positions them as flying symbols of legacy, culture, and national pride. “This milestone strengthens United Nigeria Airlines growing fleet and reinforces its position within Nigeria and Africa’s evolving aviation landscape. Beyond a routine delivery, the aircraft brings capacity, enhanced comfort, and improved reliability, meeting rising demand for a more seamless and premium travel experience,” the airline said. In another aviation sector related development, barely four months after signing a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD) and United Nigeria Airlines have recorded another major milestone, with the airline granting a 50 per cent airfare discount to students of the institution during the June 2026 holiday period. The latest gesture is coming on the heels of an existing partnership that has already seen 20 final-year Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering students of the university undergoing hands-on industrial training at the airline’s ultra-modern maintenance facility in Lagos, with each student receiving a monthly stipend of N100,000. Meanwhile, the United Nigeria Airline disclosed that its newly acquired aircraft arrived the Murtala Muhammed Airport Terminal 2 (MMA2), Lagos, on June13, 2026, and will be formally unveiled in a ceremony attended by the Obi of Onitsha, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, and other key stakeholders. Speaking ahead of the arrival, the Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Adedayo Olawuyi, described the development as “a defining chapter in the airline’s growth journey and a proud statement of Nigerian excellence taking flight.” “This aircraft is not just about expanding capacity; it is about telling our story, celebrating our icons, and uniting our people with a renewed sense of pride,” he added. The Boeing 737-800, globally recognised for efficiency, reliability, and passenger comfort, will strengthen United Nigeria operational capacity and route network, supporting the airline’s commitment to safe, seamless, and world-class service, with plans for more regional and long-haul expansion. In another major sector related development, the management of Nigeria’s rising carrier, Ibom Air, has announced that it has relocated its domestic operations to the new terminal at the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo. The new terminal, which would host the airline’s international operations, has modern facilities and expanded departures and arrival areas. “Ibom Air is pleased to announce the commencement of its domestic flight operations from the newly commissioned International Terminal of the Victor Attah International Airport, Uyo, effective today, June 14, 2026. “The transition marks a significant milestone in the airline’s growth journey and underscores its commitment to delivering an enhanced travel experience through improved operational efficiency and world-class passenger service. “The state-of-the-art facility offers expanded passenger handling capacity, improved check-in and boarding processes, enhanced security features, and greater comfort for travelers,” the airline said in a statement. Commenting on the development, the Chief Executive Officer of Ibom Air, George Uriesi, said: “Today marks another defining moment in the evolution of Ibom Air and the aviation sector in Akwa Ibom State. The commencement of our domestic operations from the new International Terminal reflects our unwavering commitment to providing our passengers with a seamless, safe, and world-class travel experience. “This facility not only elevates the standard of air travel for our customers but also positions Akwa Ibom as a strategic aviation hub for business, tourism, and regional connectivity.” The airline explained that the relocation of domestic operations to the new terminal aligns with Ibom Air’s vision of continually enhancing customer experience while supporting the broader economic development objectives of Akwa Ibom State. “Passengers are advised to arrive at the airport ahead of their scheduled departure times and familiarize themselves with the new terminal facilities to ensure a smooth and efficient travel experience. “Ibom Air extends its appreciation to His Excellency, Pastor Umo Eno, the government and people of Akwa Ibom State, the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Aviation and Airport Development, the NCAA (Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority), our service partners, and our loyal customers whose support has been instrumental in achieving this milestone,” Ibom Air added. Meanwhile, the special airfare package for ABUAD students, described as a “Holiday Home-Coming Fare,” was conveyed in a letter dated June 11, 2026, by the United Nigeria Airline’s Head of Business Development and Strategy, Mrs. Ifeoma Ekwerike, to the Vice Chancellor of ABUAD, Prof. Elisabeta Smaranda Olarinde. Under the arrangement, verified ABUAD students travelling from Ekiti Airport to Abuja or Lagos during the holiday period will pay a discounted one-way fare of N200,000, while students travelling to destinations such as Port Harcourt, Enugu and other cities through connecting flights via Abuja or Lagos will pay N280,000. The airline said the initiative was designed to ease the financial burden on students and their parents while providing a more convenient and safer travel option during the holiday season. The airfare discount is the latest benefit from the MoU signed on February 6, 2026, between ABUAD and United Nigeria Airlines to provide industry-based training opportunities for students of the university’s Aeronautical and Aerospace Engineering programme. The agreement, expected to run for an initial period of 10 years subject to renewal, enables 20 final-year students annually to participate in intensive practical training under the Students Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) at no cost to either the university or the students. Speaking on the partnership, Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Obiora Okonkwo, said the collaboration formed part of the airline’s commitment to practical education, human capital development and skills transfer. According to him, the initiative aligns with the airline’s corporate social responsibility objectives […]

Nigeria has successfully completed the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) 2024 Universal Security Audit Programme Continuous Monitoring Approach (USAP-CMA), recording an Effective Implementation score that aviation authorities say reflects the country’s continued compliance with international aviation security standards and its standing within the global aviation community. The audit, conducted between March 11 and March 22, 2024, covered operations at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. ICAO auditors assessed Nigeria’s aviation security and facilitation systems across nine critical areas, including inflight security, passenger and baggage security, cargo security, facilitation, legislation, training, operations, quality control and responses to acts of unlawful interference. At the conclusion of the exercise, ICAO Audit Team Lead Callum Vine commended Nigeria’s aviation security framework, highlighting the country’s established security policies, the clear responsibilities assigned to aviation agencies and the cooperation extended to the audit team throughout the assessment. The USAP-CMA programme remains ICAO’s primary mechanism for evaluating how member states implement international aviation security standards. More than 100 of ICAO’s 193 member states have undergone the audit process, making it one of the most widely recognised global benchmarks for aviation security compliance. Industry stakeholders note that the programme is designed to identify areas requiring improvement rather than rank or penalise countries. Under ICAO’s framework, audit findings are used to develop corrective action plans aimed at strengthening aviation security systems and ensuring continued compliance with international standards. For Nigeria, the successful completion of the audit represents another milestone in its engagement with global aviation oversight mechanisms. The country continues to maintain FAA Category 1 status, which permits Nigerian airlines to operate direct flights to the United States, while also participating in ICAO’s security and facilitation programmes. Officials say the outcome of the audit was supported by months of preparation coordinated across several aviation agencies and NCAA directorates. Technical officers were assigned to each audit domain to review compliance documentation, identify gaps and ensure that records submitted to ICAO accurately reflected Nigeria’s implementation of international standards. The NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, credited the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and Acting Director-General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo, for providing leadership and mobilising resources ahead of the audit. According to Achimugu, the preparation process involved extensive collaboration among technical personnel responsible for security oversight, facilitation, operations, training and quality control functions across the aviation sector. Among the officers involved was Matthew Kayode Folorunso, an Assistant General Manager in the Directorate of Air Transport Regulations, who coordinated documentation for the Facilitation domain. Folorunso has previously represented Nigeria at the ICAO Facilitation Panel and served as the country’s focal person for Advance Passenger Information systems. Officials familiar with the process said the extensive pre-audit review helped consolidate Nigeria’s compliance records and ensured that auditors were presented with complete and verifiable documentation during the assessment. With the 2024 audit completed, attention is now turning to future improvement targets. Former NCAA Director-General, Capt. Musa Nuhu, had previously set an aspirational Effective Implementation target of 90 per cent for future audit cycles.