United Nigeria Airlines is planning to launch transatlantic flights this summer and has partnered with Turkish carrier Air Anka to provide capacity for the proposed routes. The Nigerian airline’s chairman, Obiora Okonkwo, announced during a briefing on February 12th, in celebration of United Nigeria’s fifth anniversary, that the carrier will be offering direct flights to New York by the end of the second quarter.
Okonkwo revealed that the flights will be operated using Airbus A330s, with the support of a Turkish carrier. This information is supported by a recent submission to US regulators by Air Anka, which is seeking authorization to conduct charter services for this summer’s World Cup football tournament in North America.
According to the filing, Air Anka plans to begin its US operations with a series of charters from Nigeria, under a “wet-lease co-operative arrangement” with United Nigeria. The filing specifically mentions the Lagos-New York route. The airline’s initial operations will be carried out using A330-200s, with TC-NYP likely to be the first aircraft deployed. Air Anka also stated that it may expand its services in the future to include scheduled flights.
Air Anka is a relatively new airline, having received its air operator’s certificate in August 2022. The Istanbul-based carrier specializes in long-haul charter and wet-lease operations, and currently operates three A330s. It is well-known for providing such services to Saudi Arabian budget carrier Flyadeal. Air Anka is owned by a private joint-stock company, ODIN Havacilik Turizm, with a 90:10 split between two Turkish citizens.
Meanwhile, United Nigeria is also expanding its fleet with the acquisition of several Boeing 737-800s. The addition of these aircraft will allow the carrier to offer more domestic and international routes, including the newly announced transatlantic flights to New York.
In conclusion, United Nigeria Airlines is gearing up to launch transatlantic services this summer, with the help of Air Anka. The carrier’s partnership with the Turkish carrier will provide the necessary capacity for the proposed routes, and it plans to operate these flights using Airbus A330s. This expansion is a significant milestone for United Nigeria as it celebrates its fifth anniversary and continues to grow its presence in the aviation industry.