United Nigeria Airlines, one of Africa’s fastest-growing carriers, has announced the signing of a landmark aircraft sale and purchase agreement with Southwest Airlines for the delivery of six Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
This strategic acquisition marks a new phase in United Nigeria Airlines’ growth plan.
The Boeing 737-800, renowned for its advanced technology and design enhancements, will enable the airline to expand domestic, regional, and international operations, enhance efficiency and capacity, and strengthen Nigeria’s competitive edge in global aviation.
The agreement represents not only the acquisition of aircraft but also a ground-breaking opportunity for collaboration with Southwest Airlines, one of America’s most reliable and profitable operators of the Boeing 737 Next Generation (NG) family.
With impressive fuel efficiency from advanced aerodynamics and engines, the 737-800 reduces operational costs and minimizes environmental impact. Its versatile range of approximately 2,935 nautical miles will allow United Nigeria Airlines to effectively serve both short-haul and medium-haul routes.
The aircraft also offers a spacious cabin with wider seats, larger overhead bins, improved lighting, and the capacity to accommodate up to 189 passengers in a single-class configuration.
“After four years of solid and reliable operations by United Nigeria Airlines, the Boeing 737-800 upgrade will pave the way for a more profitable expansion and growth,” said Professor Obiora Okonkwo, OFR, Executive Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines.
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He added:
“The new fleet will enable us to operate new flights into approved domestic, regional, and international destinations, lift more passengers and cargo at competitive fares, and provide efficient point-to-point travel. This will help Nigerians and other African travellers eliminate inefficient stopovers and save valuable time.
“In addition, this acquisition will generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs and boost Nigeria’s economic development in line with the policies of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.”
Okonkwo further acknowledged Boeing’s strong support throughout the process and commended Southwest Airlines’ excellent maintenance culture, which aligns with United Nigeria Airlines’ operational standards.
He revealed that the airline has also expressed interest in acquiring an additional four Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft, bringing the total order to ten, scheduled for induction into the fleet between Q1 2026 and Q1 2027.
During the signing ceremony at Southwest Airlines’ corporate campus in Dallas, USA, Anbessie Yitbarek, Boeing’s Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing for Africa, said:
“We are pleased to welcome United Nigeria Airlines to the 737 family with its first 737-800. The aircraft will provide United Nigeria Airlines with superior reliability, fuel efficiency, and high-value returns required in today’s competitive market.”
The acquisition was brokered in partnership with SkyWorks Holdings, LLC. Its Chief Commercial Officer, Anders Hebrand, said:
“We’re pleased to have partnered with Southwest Airlines as they continue to restructure and modernize their fleet. 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.”
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