Aviation expert, Dr Olusoji Amusan, has tasked the management of United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) to leverage its admission into the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Clearing House to expand its global reach and maximise operational benefits.

Amusan gave the advice over the weekend in Lagos in an interview with The Guardian when asked about his reaction to the airline’s recent admission into the IATA Clearing House (ICH).

Amusan, who was also a former President of National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), described the development as a major milestone for the Nigerian carrier, said that membership of the ICH meant the airline had been accredited by the global body representing airlines worldwide.

According to him, IATA, which was founded in 1945 in Montreal, Canada with just about 50 member airlines, had grown to become membership of about 360 carriers globally.

Amusan noted that most reputable airlines across the world are accredited by the association, which he said controls about 85 per cent of global air traffic.

He added that the accreditation process required airlines to undergo rigorous scrutiny of their operations to ensure they met international standards.

Amusan noted that the system allowed for the proration of tickets and sharing of revenues among participating airlines through regular monthly settlements.

He added: “t’s to this extent that one would like to congratulate United Nigeria Airlines for going through the stringent hurdles. By accreditation, an airline is admitted into the IATA clearing house. Its tickets are accepted and interchangeable with other members as settlement for payment are done regularly via the Clearing House in Geneva, on regular monthly basis, where the tickets are pro-rated and revenue shared.

“The main advantage of accreditation is the possibility of extending an airline’s reach through cooperation and alliances with member airlines.”

Amusan expressed that the level of benefit the airline derives from the arrangement would depend largely on its operational efficiency and the value it brings to potential airline partners during negotiations.

Earlier, United Nigeria Airlines confirmed its admission into the IATA Clearing House, describing the development as a significant step in its integration into the global aviation financial system.

The airline said the admission, effective February 1, 2026, enables it to settle interline billings for passenger and cargo operations through a secure and centralised global settlement platform.

According to the airline, the move reinforced its commitment to international best practices and operational transparency.

United Nigeria Airlines further noted that membership of the clearing house would serve as a foundation for broader plans to establish interline and codeshare partnerships with other global carriers as it expands its regional and international network.