United Nigeria Airlines will launch cargo operations at Ekiti Airport in January and introduce daily passenger flights to the state shortly after, the airline's Executive Chairman, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, has said. Okonkwo made the announcement at the unveiling of a new aviation fuel tank farm facility at the airport. He said cargo aircraft would move goods from Ekiti to other parts of Nigeria and international destinations including London, with United Nigeria to be the first airline to carry commercial cargo once the state is ready.
Okonkwo disclosed that United Nigeria is the second-largest consumer of aviation fuel in Nigeria, after Air Peace, a position that would benefit the new fuel facility through steady supply of fuel for the airline's expanding operations at the airport. He noted that the airline has demonstrated commitment to the Ekiti partnership by accepting reduced passenger loads on some flights, carrying 40 passengers rather than 50 during a period of low demand, which he described as a sign of trust in the partnership and the state government's commitment.
Okonkwo stressed that United Nigeria did not apply for or lobby for the partnership with Ekiti State, and had not paid any bribe to secure it. Instead, he said the state government conducted its own due diligence, compared the airline with others operating in Nigeria, and approached United Nigeria because of its fleet and operations. Okonkwo expressed appreciation for being selected, saying: "We did not apply for this partnership. But if the government did their due diligence, found us worthy and capable of serving them, and approached us, I was very touched. And thank God the deal worked."