United Nigeria Airline begins flights to Benin, Sokoto

United Nigeria Airline (UNA) on Tuesday inaugurated daily flight operations to Benin, the Edo state capital amidst a rousing welcome from Governor Godwin Obaseki and other stakeholders in the state. The governor arrived at the airport before 10.am, to welcome the chairman of UNA, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo and the airlines’ team. According to the governor, […]

United Nigeria Airline (UNA) on Tuesday inaugurated daily flight operations to Benin, the Edo state capital amidst a rousing welcome from Governor Godwin Obaseki and other stakeholders in the state.

The governor arrived at the airport before 10.am, to welcome the chairman of UNA, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo and the airlines’ team.

According to the governor, the commencement of flight operations to Benin by United Nigeria followed several meetings he had had with the management.

He stated that the entrance of UNA will engender competition as the passengers would have many choices to make in addition to enjoying cheaper fares.

While fielding questions, Okonkwo, expressed appreciation to the governor for the ‘red carpet’ reception the state government gave to the airline and satisfaction at the successful launch of flight operations from Lagos and Abuja to Benin.

He said that the launch of the flight would enhance competition on the route, stressing that the airline would operate twice daily to the airport.

And from Benin to Sokoto, the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, described the inaugural flight of United Nigeria Airline (UNA) to the seat of the caliphate as historic, saying it is the first time that he would be on the inaugural flight of any airline with the state governor.

The traditional ruler and the governor joined UNA’s inaugural flight to Sokoto from Abuja on Wednesday onboard its Airbus A320-200 aircraft after which he received the airline’s team led by its Chairman, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, at his palace.

The Sultan expressed joy at the decision of the airline to commence Sokoto operations, stating that he has known Prof. Okonkwo for many years and he was informed eight months ago about the proposed flight.

He promised that the palace would support the airline in any way possible to succeed in its operations to the state and anywhere else.

The Sultan revealed that the plan to link Abuja with Sokoto started about eight months ago and expressed delight that the dream had become a reality.

From the Sultan’s palace, Prof. Okonkwo led his team to the government house where he was received by the governor.

The governor, Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto who stated that he had to suspend all his official engagements in Abuja to receive the airline’s management team lauded it for the commencement of the route and requested.