United Nigeria Airlines, has signed “a landmark aircraft sale and purchase agreement with Southwest Airlines for the delivery of six Boeing 737-800 aircraft. This strategic acquisition and fleet expansion marks a new phase in United Nigeria Airlines’ strategic plan and growth.
The airline confirms that this 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 B737NG family.” The aircraft features a spacious cabin with enhanced passenger-comfort and will seat up to 189 passengers in a single-class configuration.
Professor Obiora Okonkwo, OFR, Executive Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines commended Boeing for their support throughout the process and remarked on the excellent maintenance culture of Southwest Airlines, which motivated the acquisition. He said: “Consequently, we have also expressed interest in acquiring an additional four Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft, bringing the total to ten, which will be inducted into the United Nigeria Airlines fleet between the first quarter of 2026 and the first quarter of 2027.”
Anbessie Yitbarek, Boeing’s vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing for Africa said: “The 737-800 will provide United Nigeria Airlines with superior reliability, fuel efficiency and high-value returns operators require in today’s competitive market.”
This acquisition was brokered in partnership with SkyWorks Holdings, LLC. Anders Hebrand, Chief Commercial Officer of SkyWorks Holdings opined: “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.