Concerned about the condition of airline operators in the face of severe economic realities, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines (UNA), has rallied the Federal Government behind a special funding window for the aviation sector.
Okonkwo stated yesterday at a retreat to honor the airline’s second anniversary that the sector is too important for economic development to be left to its fate. His charge is similar to previous calls by the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) for special intervention funds in the face of a foreign exchange liquidity crisis and a surge in the cost of aviation fuel, among other variables whose costs cannot be fully passed on to customers.
Okonkwo stated that specific support for operators became required due to the sector’s critical role and rising contribution to the GDP (GDP).
Okonkwo went on to say that indigenous airline operators have been highly patriotic, contributing significantly to the nation’s GDP growth and if aviation is effectively harnessed, it will be a major source of foreign cash for the country, especially if the local operators could be strengthened.
Osita Okonkwo, the airline’s Chief Operating Officer, and Executive Director added that the company’s objective is to continue growing.
He stated that the airline would continue to improve its service to the traveling public and focus on its equipment to ensure an up-to-date fleet in 2023 and beyond.
