United Nigeria Airlines Seals Landmark Deal with Southwest Airlines for Six Boeing 737-800
United Nigeria Airlines has taken a major step towards expanding its fleet and strengthening its regional and international presence, following the signing of a landmark aircraft sale and purchase agreement with Southwest Airlines for the delivery of six Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
The announcement, made at Southwest Airlines’ corporate campus in Dallas, USA, underscores United Nigeria Airlines’ ambition to cement its place among Africa’s leading carriers. The acquisition marks a significant milestone in the airline’s growth trajectory, promising enhanced efficiency, increased capacity, and improved passenger comfort.
The Boeing 737-800, a member of the Next-Generation 737 family, is renowned for its fuel efficiency, versatile range, and advanced design features. With the ability to fly approximately 2,935 nautical miles, the aircraft is well-suited for both short-haul and medium-haul routes.
Its cabin can accommodate up to 189 passengers in a single-class configuration, offering wider seats, larger overhead bins, and improved lighting for a superior travel experience.
Professor Obiora Okonkwo, OFR, Executive Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, described the agreement as a pivotal moment in the airline’s history.
“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,” he said.
He further explained that the acquisition would allow the airline to launch new domestic, regional, and international services, lift more passengers and cargo at competitive fares, and reduce unnecessary stopovers for African travellers.
Beyond passenger benefits, the move is also expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs, contributing to Nigeria’s economic growth in line with the policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.
Okonkwo also highlighted the role of Southwest Airlines’ maintenance culture in influencing the deal.
“The excellent maintenance culture of Southwest Airlines, which is in line with United Nigeria Airlines’ culture, motivated us to make the acquisition. We are looking forward to continued collaboration with Southwest Airlines post-delivery in areas such as training and maintenance support,” he said.
In addition, United Nigeria Airlines disclosed its intention to acquire four more Boeing 737-800 aircraft, bringing the total to 10. Deliveries are scheduled between the first quarter of 2026 and the first quarter of 2027.
Representing Boeing, Anbessie Yitbarek, Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing for Africa, welcomed the Nigerian carrier into the 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,” he remarked.
The deal was facilitated through SkyWorks Holdings, LLC, an aviation-focused advisory and leasing firm. Commenting on the transaction, Anders Hebrand, Chief Commercial Officer of SkyWorks, praised the partnership.
“We’re pleased to have partnered with Southwest Airlines as they continue to restructure and modernise 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,” he said.
United Nigeria Airlines, since its establishment, has positioned itself as one of Africa’s fastest-growing carriers, with a mission to unite people and places through efficient and affordable air travel.
This latest acquisition signals its readiness to compete at both regional and international levels while maintaining a customer-focused approach.
Southwest Airlines, the world’s largest operator of Boeing 737s, brings its expertise and reliability to the collaboration, while SkyWorks’ role as broker underscores the increasing interest of global aviation players in Africa’s expanding air transport market.
The first batch of Boeing 737-800s is expected to enter United Nigeria Airlines’ fleet in early 2026, setting the stage for a new era of connectivity, operational efficiency, and growth for Nigeria’s aviation sector.
