United Nigeria Airlines has officially inaugurated its first international flight operations, establishing direct air links between Nigeria and Ghana. This significant expansion for the carrier commenced with an inaugural service from Kotoka International Airport (KIA) in Accra, Ghana, on Monday, marking a crucial step in bolstering regional connectivity.

A notable aspect of this launch was the poignant tribute paid to the late former Ghanaian President, Flight Lieutenant Jerry John Rawlings. The airline's first international aircraft was dedicated to Rawlings, a gesture designed to honor his enduring legacy as a staunch advocate for African unity and progress. This dedication coincided with the fifth anniversary of President Rawlings' passing and the recent demise of former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings, adding a "bittersweet but historic" layer to the occasion, as described by Professor Obiora Okonkwo, Chairman and CEO of United Nigeria Airlines.

The new routes establish daily flights from Abuja to Accra and four weekly services connecting Lagos to Accra. These connections are expected to significantly enhance travel and trade relations between the two West African nations. Ms Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, Managing Director of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), lauded the airline's entry into Ghana, characterizing it as a "significant milestone" for regional aviation. She highlighted that United Nigeria Airlines now stands as the 25th international carrier operating at Kotoka International Airport, emphasizing that the new Accra-Lagos-Abuja service will play a pivotal role in positioning Ghana as West Africa's preferred aviation hub.

During the ceremony, Professor Obiora Okonkwo extended his gratitude to the Ghanaian authorities for their unwavering support in facilitating the airline's international debut. He reiterated the airline's commitment to upholding rigorous operational standards and making substantial contributions to the growth and development of aviation across West Africa. "We are committed to delivering quality and reliability while strengthening the bond between our two nations," Professor Okonkwo affirmed, underscoring the airline's dedication to service excellence and bilateral ties.

Nigeria's Acting High Commissioner to Ghana, Ambassador Dayo Agdele, warmly welcomed the launch, hailing it as "a renewed bridge of connectivity and shared prosperity" that will further cement the already strong relationship between Nigeria and Ghana. He specifically commended United Nigeria Airlines for recognizing President Rawlings' profound legacy, describing him as "a visionary leader whose ideals of unity, integrity, and selfless service continue to inspire millions" across the continent.

The sentiment of appreciation was echoed by Mr Kofi Adams, the Minister for Sports and Recreation, who praised the thoughtful gesture. He noted that the tribute powerfully reflects Rawlings' lasting influence throughout Africa, recalling the former President's own words: "President Rawlings once said he would rather live in the hearts of men than have his name on monuments or streets. Today, that statement has been manifested through this honour."

Representing the Rawlings family, Mr Fritz Baffour expressed heartfelt gratitude to United Nigeria Airlines for the dedication, deeming the tribute both lasting and deeply symbolic of the robust bonds shared between Ghana and Nigeria. He concluded by emphasizing the strength derived from this unity, stating, "This will stay forever. Ghana and Nigeria share strong bonds, and when we come together, no one can stand us." The launch not only marks a commercial expansion but also a profound cultural and diplomatic gesture reinforcing the shared history and future of these two prominent West African nations.