Vacancy for Chief Operating Officer (COO) at United Nigeria Airlines

Managing an airline is not a small task especially when that airline is an IATA member carrier on the verge of a massive fleet and network expansion. United Nigeria Airlines is currently searching for a globally experienced Chief Operating Officer (COO) who has the liver and the technical depth to lead safe, reliable, and cost efficient operations. This is a top shelf C-suite role for a seasoned leader who understands that in aviation, safety is non negotiable and efficiency is the name of the game. If you have spent over a decade navigating the complexities of flight operations, engineering, and regulatory compliance, and you are ready to steer a wholly owned Nigerian brand into intercontinental markets, your seat at the management table is waiting. We need a data driven leader who can keep their cool during a crisis while ensuring our planes are always in the air and on time.

Job Summary

  • Job Title: Chief Operating Officer (COO)
  • Company: United Nigeria Airlines
  • Location: Abuja & Lagos, Nigeria
  • Employment Type: Full-time
  • Closing Date: Not Specified.

About the Company

United Nigeria Airlines is a wholly owned Nigerian company incorporated under the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990. We are a proud IATA member carrier dedicated to offering premium commercial air transportation services under the trade name United Nigeria. As we enter a new chapter of growth, our focus remains on providing safe, reliable, and customer-centric travel experiences across Nigeria and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

  • Deliver competitive On-Time Performance (OTP) and a high Completion Factor across all routes.
  • Ensure safety standards and full regulatory compliance with NCAA, ICAO, and IOSA requirements.
  • Optimize aircraft utilization and operational efficiency to drive cost-effective results.
  • Directly lead and oversee Flight Operations, Engineering & Maintenance, Ground Operations, OCC, and Safety & Quality.
  • Provide strategic operational support for the induction of new fleet members and the expansion of the flight network.
  • Serve as a crisis capable, data driven leader who fosters a culture of excellence throughout the operations team.

Requirements / Qualifications

  • Minimum of 15 years of operational experience in the airline industry.
  • At least 7 years in a senior operational leadership position (C-suite or Director level).
  • Proven experience with IOSA, NCAA, and ICAO compliance and audits.
  • A strong background in fleet expansion or working within a growth-phase airline is essential.
  • Deep understanding of the technicalities of flight operations, maintenance, and ground handling.
  • Ability to lead through crises and make data-driven decisions that impact the entire organization.

Career Advantage

  • Take the helm of a growing airline during a significant fleet induction and network expansion phase.
  • Lead operations across domestic, regional, and future intercontinental markets.
  • Work within a carrier that adheres to the highest international safety and operational standards.
  • Solidify your legacy as a top-tier aviation executive in one of Africa's most vibrant aviation markets.
  • Directly oversee critical departments including Flight Ops, Engineering, and the Operational Control Center (OCC).

How to Apply

Are you the visionary leader United Nigeria Airlines needs for its next big flight? If you have the experience and the drive to manage an operation, please follow the application steps below.

Interested and qualified candidates should submit their Resume and a Cover Letter detailing their relevant experience, preferred location (Abuja or Lagos), and qualifications to: careers@flyunitednigeria.com with the title Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Note: Your cover letter should clearly articulate your experience with fleet growth and international regulatory standards. Only candidates who meet the 15 year minimum experience requirement will be considered for an interview.

Editorial: Insight for Aviation Executives

For a COO role at this level, United Nigeria Airlines isn't just looking for an Administrator, they want an Operations General. Since the airline is an IATA member, your IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) experience must be rock solid. In the Nigerian context, balancing On-Time performance with the realities of local infrastructure is a big task, so show them you have a strategy for high aircraft utilization without compromising safety.

When drafting your cover letter, mention specific instances where you successfully managed fleet inductions or scaled an airline's network. They want to know that you are crisis capable, meaning you can handle the heat when things get tough in the OCC. This is a role for a leader who knows how to bridge the gap between technical engineering requirements and commercial flight schedules.

Important Notice

A professional airline recruitment process for a C-suite position is strictly merit based and free. If anyone asks for payment to facilitate your application for this COO role, it is a scam. Your 15 years of experience and your proven track record are your only valid credentials. Apply with confidence.

Post a Comment

Drop a comment and let’s talk career strategy..

Previous Post Next Post

Johnson Olowu

About Johnson Olowu

He is a career expert with over 7 years of experience and the Lead Editor at Thenationjob. With a background in human resources and a passion for economic empowerment, he provides data-backed career advice and verified job updates to help Nigerians secure stable, high-paying roles. Follow his latest guides for a safer, smarter job search.