Airline business is fraught with challenges in Nigeria, from high cost of jet fuel, to numerous charges, but last week, United Nigeria Airlines received two state-of-the-art aircraft, thus signaling new growth trajectory in the sector, writes Chinedu Eze.
It was celebration galore last week at the General Aviation Terminal (GAT) section of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, when the fast-rising United Nigeria Airlines welcomed two modern Boeing B737-800NG aircraft.
What gave spice to the ceremony was the fact that he named the two aircraft after two great Achebes; the renowned novelist, the pioneer of African literature and the writer of Things Fall Apart, one of the 50 most influential books of all time, Professor Chinua Achebe and His Royal Highness, the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Nnaemeka Achebe.
Industry analysists are of the view that the Boeing 737-800 NG (New Generation) is one of the most successful and reliable narrow-body aircraft in aviation history. It uniquely balances medium-haul range, high seating capacity, and operational efficiency, making it the workhorse for major global carriers. United Nigeria Airlines purchased six of the aircraft type and two have been delivered and for would be received at later date.
