United Nigeria Airlines, one of Africa’s fastest-growing carriers, has signed a landmark aircraft sales and purchase agreement with Southwest Airlines, the world’s largest operator of Boeing 737 and a global leader in affordable and reliable air travel, for the delivery of six Boeing 737-800 aircraft within the year.
Also, the airline will acquire an additional four Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft, bringing the total to 10 between the first quarter of 2026 and the first quarter of 2027.
A press statement by United Nigeria Airlines said that this strategic fleet acquisition and expansion, which was brokered in partnership with SkyWorks Holdings, LLC., marks a new phase in the airlines’ strategic plan and growth.
SkyWorks specialize in aircraft lease origination and provides a full suite of aircraft and lease management services for airlines and investors.
Speaking on this landmark expansion, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, Executive Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, said the new fleet will enable the airlines to operate new flights into approved domestic, regional and international designations, lift more passengers and cargo at competitive fares, and provide efficient point-to-point travels.
He said that this will help Nigerians and other African travelers to eliminate inefficient stopovers and save valuable time.
Okonkwo said: “The massive aircraft acquisition would generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs and boost the country’s economic development and growth, in line with the policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“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.
“We must put on record the strong support we have received from Boeing throughout the entire process and the promise for continued support to ensure a smooth entry into service and operation of the fleet.
“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 different areas, such as: training and maintenance support, among other areas.
“Consequently, we have also expressed interest in acquiring an additional four Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft, bringing the total to 10, which will be inducted into the United Nigeria Airlines fleet between the first quarter of 2026 and the first quarter of 2027.”
Speaking on the partnership, during the signing ceremony at the corporate campus of Southwest Airlines 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 737-800 will provide United Nigeria Airlines with superior reliability, fuel efficiency and high-value returns operators require in today’s competitive market.”
Chief Commercial Officer of SkyWorks Holdings, LLC, Anders Hebrand, said, regarding the partnership: “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.”
The Boeing 737-800, renowned for its advanced technology and design enhancements that improve performance, efficiency, and passenger comfort, will enable United Nigeria Airlines to broaden its domestic, regional, and international operations, enhance efficiency and capacity, and strengthen Nigeria’s competitive edge in global aviation.
