United Nigeria Airlines Names Aircraft After J.J. Rawlings
The airline’s inaugural Abuja–Accra flight celebrates the fifth anniversary of Rawlings’ passing and strengthens Ghana–Nigeria ties.
- United Nigeria Airlines honours Ghana’s late President on the fifth anniversary of his passing
- The maiden flight featured dignitaries and a ceremony at Kotoka International Airport
- Tribute reflects Rawlings’ aviation background and strengthens Ghana–Nigeria relations
Five years after the passing of Ghana’s former President Jerry John Rawlings, United Nigeria Airlines has paid tribute to his legacy by naming one of its aircraft after him.
The aircraft, christened “J.J. Rawlings,” made its maiden flight to Accra on Monday, November 10, 2025, marking United Nigeria Airlines’ inaugural Abuja–Accra route.
Onboard were dignitaries including Ghana’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Baba Jamal; Chief Professor Obiora Okonkwo, Chairman and CEO of United Nigeria Airlines; senior Nigerian aviation officials; and other guests.
At Kotoka International Airport, Fritz Baffour, representing the Rawlings family, joined Professor Okonkwo to unveil the aircraft’s inscription: “J.J. Rawlings… The legend lives on.”
During the brief ceremony at Terminal 3, Gate C8, Ghana’s Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, lauded the airline for honouring the late former President.
“President Rawlings once said he would rather live in the hearts of men than have his name on monuments or streets. Today, that sentiment is fulfilled through this aircraft,” he said.
Mr. Adams highlighted Rawlings’ passion for flying and linked it to his commitment to Ghana’s rural electrification programme. “When he flew across Ghana at night and saw lights only in Accra and Kumasi, it inspired him to ensure electricity reached every corner of the country,” he recalled.
Fritz Baffour conveyed the Rawlings family’s gratitude, describing the gesture as a lasting tribute. “This honour will stay forever. Ghana and Nigeria share strong bonds, and when we come together, no one can stand us,” he remarked.
Professor Okonkwo extended condolences to the Rawlings family on the recent passing of former First Lady Nana Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings and requested a minute’s silence in her memory. He explained that discussions to mark the fifth anniversary of President Rawlings’ death inspired the decision to name the aircraft after him, a trained Air Force pilot.
He pledged that United Nigeria Airlines would uphold high standards and contribute meaningfully to aviation development in West Africa. “We are committed to delivering quality and reliability in our operations while strengthening the bond between our two nations,” Professor Okonkwo affirmed.
