United Nigeria Acquires A330s, Eyes Direct Lagos-New York Service

United Nigeria Airlines has disclosed plans to commence direct flights to New York, United States, in the second quarter of 2026.

The airline’s Chairman, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, said this while speaking to newsmen at United Nigeria Airlines’ fifth anniversary celebration in Lagos.

Okonkwo said the airline has acquired two Airbus A330-200 aircraft, each configured with 12 cabin sections, to support the new long-haul service, adding that the aircraft are capable of operating nonstop flights from Lagos to New York.

He said: “By the end of the second quarter of 2026, United Nigeria will commence direct flights to New York. To support this, we have already acquired two Airbus A330-200 aircraft, each configured with 12 cabin sections and capable of operating nonstop flights from Lagos to New York.

“The first aircraft will be delivered on July 26, while the second will arrive in October. To support our regional and continental operations to destinations such as Dakar, South Africa, Dubai and Jeddah, we have also acquired six Boeing 737-800NG aircraft.

“All six aircraft will be delivered before the end of the second quarter. Delivery will begin within the next two to three weeks, with the first two arriving by March 1.

“We are also in the final stages of discussions to acquire additional 737-800 aircraft, which are expected to be delivered in the second and third quarters of the year. By the end of the year, we expect to add no fewer than 10 to 11 aircraft to our fleet.”

Meanwhile, President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors and Editor of Vanguard Newspapers, Mr Eze Anaba, said: “You have been in existence for five years, and it has been a period of rapid growth. You moved from operating two or three routes to discussing regional and continental flights. Hopefully, before the end of the year, it will become global.

“I pray it happens for the simple reason that you are a man of vision and principle, and with the dedicated staff you have, I have no doubt that United Nigeria will continue to achieve great things.”