The Institute of Nigerian Aeronautical Engineers (INAE) has conferred its gold medal award on the Executive Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines (UNA), Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, citing the carrier’s commitment to safety, engineering capacity development, and sustained growth amid macroeconomic headwinds.
The honour was presented by INAE National President, Dr. Ebitei Charles, during the Institute’s International Conference and Fellowship Conferment held in Lagos on Wednesday July 29, 2026. The award is designated for individuals whose contributions have measurably advanced aeronautical engineering practice in Nigeria.
INAE, a professional division of the Nigerian Society of Engineers regulated by COREN, noted that Okonkwo was recognised for steering UNA’s rapid expansion since commencing operations in February 2021, a period that coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic and a global economic downturn. Representing the Chairman at the ceremony were the airline’s Director of Continuing Airworthiness, Alex Iheuwa, and Chief Pilot, Capt. Joan Obasi-Ibraheem.
According to Dr. Ebitei, the recognition underscores a convergence between the Institute’s mandate and UNA’s operational priorities: the elevation of safety benchmarks, modernisation of infrastructure, and development of indigenous technical manpower. He specifically referenced the airline’s internship scheme for aeronautical engineering students, describing it as a “quiet but impactful contribution” to talent development.
The Institute further commended the carrier’s stringent safety culture, stating that it has helped foster resilience and professionalism within Nigeria’s aviation workforce. INAE noted that such investments are critical to building specialised engineering capability required to optimise aircraft performance, reduce maintenance overheads, and ensure long-term viability for domestic carriers.
Speaking on the honour, Prof. Okonkwo said the award validates the airline’s foundational philosophy: “It affirms everything we have worked to build, which is, an operation rooted in safety and sustained investment in capacity,” he stated.
The event also recognised other industry stakeholders. Arik Air and Xejet received awards, while the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo and the Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, Capt. Chris Najomo were inducted as Honorary Fellows of INAE.
The gold medal adds to UNA’s recent milestones. In June, the airline took delivery of two additional Boeing 737-800NG aircraft. Okonkwo, speaking at the unveiling, recalled operational disruptions during the pandemic, including a cohort of 23 pilots stranded in South Africa for nine months after international airspace closures. He disclosed that despite the prolonged grounding, the airline sustained full salary payments and accommodation costs for the affected crew.
Since launch, UNA has expanded to more than 15 destinations, including Accra, Ghana. In 2026, the carrier signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Government of Guinea-Bissau to support the establishment of a national airline. The airline has also attained IATA Operational Safety Audit certification, gained entry into the IATA Clearing House, and secured Full Membership of the African Airlines Association (AFRAA).
