United Nigeria Airlines Strengthens Fleet with Acquisition of Six Boeing 737-800s from Southwest Airline

Nigeria

United Nigeria Airlines, one of Africa’s rapidly ascending carriers, has formalized a significant milestone by signing an aircraft sale and purchase agreement with Southwest Airlines for the delivery of six Boeing 737-800 airplanes. 

This acquisition represents a key component of United Nigeria Airlines’ ongoing strategic expansion and fleet modernization initiative.

In a statement issued by the Corporate Communications Department of United Nigeria Airlines, the company emphasized that the integration of the Boeing 737-800 aircraft will markedly enhance the airline’s operational capacity, efficiency, and network reach. The statement detailed that these aircraft will be deployed across the airline’s domestic, regional, and international routes, facilitating improved service delivery and passenger experience.

The Boeing 737-800 series is globally recognized for its advanced aerodynamics, superior fuel efficiency, and technological innovations that collectively reduce operational costs and environmental impact. With a range capability of approximately 2,935 nautical miles, this aircraft is well suited to meet diverse route demands, positioning United Nigeria Airlines to optimize its flight schedules and expand its service offerings.

Professor Obiora Okonkwo, OFR, Executive Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, underscored the transformative impact this fleet enhancement will have on the airline’s growth trajectory. He highlighted that the new aircraft will enable the airline to increase passenger and cargo capacity, introduce new destinations, and deliver competitive fares, thereby strengthening Nigeria’s presence in the global aviation market.

He further noted that this expansion aligns with national economic development goals, generating significant employment opportunities and contributing to broader economic growth in Nigeria, consistent with the policy objectives set forth by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

The agreement also fosters important collaborative opportunities with Southwest Airlines, a leading operator of the Boeing 737NG family, renowned for its exemplary maintenance and operational standards. United Nigeria Airlines plans to leverage this partnership for ongoing support in training, maintenance, and operational excellence.

Boeing’s Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing for Africa, Anbessie Yitbarek, welcomed United Nigeria Airlines into the Boeing 737 family, affirming the aircraft’s capability to deliver exceptional reliability, fuel efficiency, and value in a highly competitive industry landscape.

The acquisition process was facilitated by SkyWorks Holdings, LLC, with Chief Commercial Officer Anders Hebrand expressing confidence in the strategic fit of the 737-800 aircraft within the growing African aviation sector and praising the collaboration between all parties involved.

United Nigeria Airlines has also expressed interest in expanding its Boeing 737-800 fleet further by procuring an additional four aircraft to be inducted between the first quarter of 2026 and the first quarter of 2027, underscoring its commitment to sustained growth and service enhancement.

As the airline continues to cement its position as a leading African carrier, this fleet expansion initiative reflects United Nigeria Airlines’ dedication to delivering safe, reliable, and customer-centric air travel, thereby uniting people and places across the continent and beyond.