United Nigeria Airlines team led by the Chairman, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, OFR, and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) team led by the MD/CEO, Olubumi Kuku, held a strategic meeting at FAAN Headquarters in Lagos to strengthen collaborations and address aviation environmental safety, MRO support, airport operating hours, infrastructure upgrades and United Nigeria Airlines growth plans.
During the meeting, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, OFR, highlighted the rising incidence of bird strikes, describing them as a major operational and financial challenge for airlines. He also highlighted the constraints of sunrise and sunset airports, state of category II airports, noting that limited operating hours and lack of adequate facilities often disrupt schedules and cause delays.
He flagged the increasing issue of unruly passenger behaviour. Additionally, a request for land allocation for the development of a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility by United Nigeria Airlines in Abuja was made.
FAAN Managing Director/CEO Olubunmi Kuku emphasised collaboration as key to improving safety and efficiency. She said FAAN has identified major causes of bird strikes and is implementing environmental measures, including improved grass and habitat management, while also strengthening corporate responsibility around airport environments.
FAAN further announced plans to upgrade airfield lighting at Category II airports to support extended operations, with apron and lighting improvements in Benin airport, and lighting upgrades in Jos. It also pledged stricter enforcement against unruly passengers and expressed willingness to review the proposed Abuja MRO land request with hope to fast-track the allocation as part of efforts to strengthen local aircraft maintenance capacity.
Commenting on the meeting, United Nigeria Airlines Executive Director/COO, Osita Okonkwo, said sustained cooperation between airlines and airport authorities remains essential for safe and efficient industry growth.
Other members of the United Nigeria Airlines leadership team include Linus, Awute, Director of Administration; Capt. Ahmad Mahmoud, Director of Flight Operations; Raphael Uchegbu, Chief Commercial Officer; Kelechi Violet Asuquo, Director Human Resources, amongst other Directors.