United Nigeria Airlines has paid tribute to Ghana’s late former president, Jerry John Rawlings, by naming its maiden international flight from Abuja to Accra in his honour.
Rawlings, who led Ghana from 1981 to 2001, is remembered for his strong Pan-African vision and commitment to unity across the continent.
The dedication ceremony took place at the Kotoka International Airport in Accra on November 10, 2025, where the aircraft bearing Rawlings’ name and the inscription “The legend lives on” was unveiled.
Videos from the event captured the excitement and applause that greeted the moment.
According to the airline’s management, naming the aircraft after Rawlings is a symbolic gesture recognising his lasting influence on African leadership and regional cooperation.
Speaking at the event, Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, Managing Director of the Ghana Airports Company Limited (GACL), welcomed United Nigeria Airlines to Ghana’s airspace and praised the new service routes, Lagos–Accra and Abuja–Accra, as a major step in strengthening regional connectivity.
She noted that the development reflects growing confidence in Ghana’s aviation sector and supports the country’s ambition to become a leading aviation hub in West Africa.
“The start of operations on these routes demonstrates the growing trust investors have in Ghana’s aviation industry,” Opare said. “It also reinforces our determination to make Ghana the preferred aviation destination in the sub-region.”
Watch the video of the unveiling below
United Nigeria Airlines has named its first-ever international flight from Abuja to Accra after the late former President Jerry John Rawlings, honoring his Pan-African vision and contributions to regional integration.#UTVGhana pic.twitter.com/99UVU7P0Lb
— UTV Ghana (@utvghana) November 10, 2025
Yvonne Nana Afriyie Opare, Managing Director of Ghana Airports Company Limited, welcomes United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) as it officially begins direct commercial flights between Lagos–Accra and Abuja–Accra.#UTVGhana pic.twitter.com/MgzavLwKCU
— UTV Ghana (@utvghana) November 10, 2025
