United Nigeria Airlines, led by Chairman Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, OFR, and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), headed by MD/CEO Olubunmi Kuku, held a strategic meeting at FAAN Headquarters in Lagos to discuss critical issues affecting the aviation sector.
Prof. Okonkwo highlighted key operational challenges, including rising bird strikes, limited airport operating hours at sunrise and sunset, constraints at Category II airports, and increasing cases of unruly passenger behaviour. He also requested land allocation for the establishment of a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Abuja to strengthen the airline’s technical capacity.
FAAN MD/CEO Olubunmi Kuku emphasised the importance of collaboration between airlines and airport authorities to improve safety and operational efficiency. She outlined ongoing environmental measures to reduce bird strike incidents, including improved habitat management, and announced planned upgrades to airfield lighting at Category II airports, including apron and lighting improvements in Benin and Jos airports. FAAN also pledged stricter enforcement against unruly passengers and expressed readiness to review United Nigeria Airlines’ Abuja MRO land request.
United Nigeria Airlines Executive Director/COO, Osita Okonkwo, stressed that sustained cooperation between airlines and airport authorities is crucial for safe and efficient industry growth. Other members of the United Nigeria Airlines leadership team present included Linus Awute (Director of Administration), Capt. Ahmad Mahmoud (Director of Flight Operations), Raphael Uchegbu (Chief Commercial Officer), and Kelechi Violet Asuquo (Director of Human Resources).
