The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has admitted Nigeria’s United Nigeria Airlines Company Limited as its latest member.
The admission followed the accreditation of UNA last May, as an IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certified carrier.
The airline’s membership was conveyed to its management in a letter dated October 9, 2023, and addressed to the chairman and chief executive officer of UNA, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo.
The letter signed by director general of IATA, Mr William Walsh, hoped that the airline and employees “will reap the full benefits of IATA membership.”
“It gives me great pleasure personally to welcome United Nigeria Airlines as an IATA member.
“IATA mission is to represent, lead, and serve the aviation industry and is the collective voice of some 300 Airlines from over 120 countries worldwide. Our vision is to work together to shape the future growth of a safe, secure, and sustainable air transport industry that connects and enriches our world,” Walsh said.
He explained that the group’s priorities “include improving global safety, protecting the industry’s ability to grow sustainably, driving digital transformation within the industry and becoming the trusted source for aviation data.”
In appreciation, the chief operating officer of the airline, Mr Osita Okonkwo, said the IATA membership “is an indication that United Nigeria Airlines is on course to becoming a global carrier.”
“The membership is a boost to our strategic engagements towards achieving our goals and becoming an airline that operates in accordance with global aviation standards. “We welcome the admission into IATA membership and assure that it will propel us to exceeding customer expectations on safety, quick service delivery, and top-notch customer services,” he added.
