By Our Correspondent
United Nigeria Airlines, one of Africa’s fastest-growing carriers, has signed a landmark aircraft sale and purchase agreement with Southwest Airlines for the delivery of six Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
The acquisition marks a major milestone in the airline’s expansion strategy, positioning it for growth across domestic, regional, and international routes.
The Boeing 737-800, a workhorse of the Next Generation (NG) family, is celebrated for its fuel efficiency, operational reliability, and passenger-friendly design. With a range of 2,935 nautical miles and capacity for up to 189 passengers, the aircraft will enable United Nigeria Airlines to expand its network, reduce costs, and improve service efficiency.
Professor Obiora Okonkwo, Executive Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, described the deal as a transformative step for the airline and for Nigerian aviation.
“After four years of solid and reliable operations, the Boeing 737-800 upgrade will pave the way for a more profitable expansion,” Okonkwo said. “The new fleet will allow us to open more domestic, regional, and international routes, carry more passengers and cargo at competitive fares, and provide efficient point-to-point travel. This will help Nigerians and other African travellers save valuable time, while also creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs to support Nigeria’s economic development in line with the policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”
Okonkwo also praised Boeing’s support during the negotiation process, as well as Southwest Airlines’ strong maintenance culture, which he said aligns with United Nigeria Airlines’ operational philosophy. He disclosed that the carrier has expressed interest in acquiring an additional four Boeing 737-800 NGs, bringing the total to 10 aircraft to be inducted between the first quarter of 2026 and the first quarter of 2027.
At the signing ceremony held at Southwest Airlines’ corporate campus in Dallas, Texas, Boeing’s Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing for Africa, Anbessie Yitbarek, welcomed United Nigeria Airlines to the 737 family.
“The 737-800 will provide United Nigeria Airlines with superior reliability, fuel efficiency, and high-value returns that operators require in today’s competitive market,” Yitbarek said.
The transaction was brokered in partnership with SkyWorks Holdings, LLC.
Anders Hebrand, Chief Commercial Officer of SkyWorks Holdings, added: “We’re pleased to have partnered with Southwest Airlines as they continue to restructure and modernize their fleet. With United Nigeria Airlines, these 737-800s have found an excellent home in the growing African aviation market, where they will remain productive for many years to come.”
