The Federal Government is set to increase the retirement age for Air Traffic Controllers (ATCs) in Nigeria as part of measures to tackle the growing manpower gap in the aviation industry.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), made the disclosure on Tuesday during the opening of the 54th Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) held in Abuja.

Keyamo said the government will push for an upward review to retain experienced hands in service, noting that the aviation sector needs to maximize available expertise while preparing the next generation of controllers.

“I’m convinced that this is a matter worth pursuing. If pilots are allowed to fly till 65, Air Traffic Controllers should also be allowed to serve till that age,” he said.

The minister described NATCA as the “apple of the eye of aviation,” assuring members of government’s commitment to their welfare and operational efficiency.

Earlier, NATCA President, Amos Edino, decried the declining number of air traffic controllers, blaming mass retirements, migration abroad, and inter-agency transfers for the workforce shortage.

He warned that by 2030, the manpower gap could widen to 70% if proactive steps are not taken, emphasizing the need for an upward review of the retirement age to 65 years.

Edino, however, highlighted some achievements in the sector, including the international training of over 150 controllers in key aviation systems such as PBN, CPDLC, and UTM Airspace Integration.

He also disclosed that more than 300 controllers benefited from the first-ever local training programs initiated by NAMA, while the long-awaited salary adjustment for controllers was implemented in September 2025.

“This landmark achievement should be extended to other agencies housing controllers, to ensure fairness and equal recognition across the aviation sector,” Edino added.

The 54th AGM, themed “The Human Edge: Capacity Building in the Next Generation Air Traffic Management,” focused on strategies for addressing manpower gaps, improving safety, and sustaining Nigeria’s air navigation services.

Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest carrier and West Africa’s aviation leader, has hailed its recent approval to operate scheduled flights from Nigeria into both London Heathrow and Gatwick Airports as a historic breakthrough for Nigerian aviation.

The airline’s Chairman, Dr. Allen Onyema, said the achievement was made possible through the support and partnership of the United Kingdom government, noting that it has taken seven years for any Nigerian carrier to secure such access.

“This milestone is remarkable not just for Air Peace but for Nigeria as a whole. The backing we received from the UK government underscores the resilience of our airline and the strength of bilateral relations between both countries,” Onyema said.

He commended the British Deputy High Commissioner to Lagos, Jonny Baxter, describing him as “a diplomat par excellence” whose fairness and commitment ensured that Air Peace got the necessary approvals to begin UK operations.

“Jonny Baxter embodies the principle of live and let live. He gave us every support needed to commence our UK flights. Because of his efforts and the open-mindedness of the UK authorities, Air Peace can proudly say today that our problem is no longer the UK. The UK loves Air Peace, and Air Peace loves the UK in return,” Onyema stated.

According to him, the UK government extended a warm invitation to Air Peace to commence London Heathrow services and even requested a guest list to make special arrangements, with Heathrow Airport planning a welcome ceremony to celebrate the launch.

“This shows the extent to which they have welcomed us, and we are profoundly grateful to the UK government, the Civil Aviation Authorities, and the people of the UK for the remarkable hospitality they have extended to Air Peace,” he added.

Onyema stressed that the milestone represents more than commercial expansion, describing it as a strengthening of diplomatic and economic ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. “Both countries have come a long way, and this is how it ought to be – a true partnership of respect and shared progress,” he said.

He also explained that the commencement of Abuja–London Gatwick and Heathrow flights will ease travel burdens for passengers in Northern Nigeria who prefer direct international connections. “We discovered that Abuja travelers prefer not to transit through Lagos. These new flights will meet their needs conveniently. I therefore urge senators, high commissioners, and the entire Abuja community to patronize Air Peace exclusively for flights to London Heathrow,” Onyema appealed.

The Air Peace boss further called on Nigerian government officials and citizens to demonstrate patriotism by supporting domestic airlines operating international routes. “Our airlines offer competitive fares and seamless service. Supporting them means strengthening Nigeria’s economy and projecting our national pride,” he said.

With this new access to two of the world’s busiest international gateways, Air Peace has further consolidated its position as Nigeria’s de facto flag carrier, committed to expanding global connectivity, strengthening bilateral ties, and delivering world-class service rooted in Nigerian hospitality.

United Nigeria Airlines has signed a landmark agreement with Southwest Airlines for the delivery of six Boeing 737-800 aircraft, in what industry analysts describe as a major leap forward for Nigeria’s aviation sector.

The deal, finalized in Dallas, USA, marks a turning point in the four-year-old airline’s growth strategy, positioning it for domestic, regional, and international expansion.

The Boeing 737-800, renowned for its fuel efficiency, operational reliability, and passenger comfort, will strengthen United Nigeria Airlines’ fleet and enhance its ability to compete on a global scale.

Professor Obiora Okonkwo, OFR, Executive Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, said the acquisition underscores the carrier’s commitment to scaling up operations and providing efficient, affordable, and world-class services.

“After four years of solid and reliable operations, the Boeing 737-800 upgrade will pave the way for a more profitable expansion and growth,” Okonkwo said. “This fleet expansion will not only allow us to operate new routes across Nigeria, Africa, and beyond but also boost passenger and cargo capacity at competitive fares. It will also eliminate inefficient stopovers, saving travellers valuable time, while creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs to support Nigeria’s economic growth in line with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.”

The new aircraft, with a range of nearly 3,000 nautical miles, will allow United Nigeria Airlines to optimize both short-haul and medium-haul operations. Each jet will accommodate up to 189 passengers in a single-class configuration, offering larger overhead bins, wider seats, and advanced lighting for enhanced passenger comfort.

Okonkwo also praised Southwest Airlines’ maintenance culture and Boeing’s strong technical support throughout the acquisition process. He revealed that discussions are underway for an additional four aircraft, which could bring the total fleet of new 737-800s to ten by 2027.

Boeing welcomed United Nigeria Airlines to its global 737 family. “The 737-800 will provide United Nigeria Airlines with superior reliability, fuel efficiency and high-value returns operators require in today’s competitive market,” said Anbessie Yitbarek, Boeing’s Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing for Africa.

The deal was facilitated by SkyWorks Holdings, a leading aviation advisory firm. Anders Hebrand, Chief Commercial Officer of SkyWorks, noted: “With United Nigeria Airlines, these top-of-the-line 737-800s have found a great home in the growing African aviation market, where they will be productive for many more years to come.”

Industry experts say this agreement signals a new era for Nigerian aviation, with United Nigeria Airlines emerging as one of the leading players in the regional market