United Nigeria Airlines 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 said that this strategic fleet acquisition and expansion, which was brokered in partnership with SkyWorks Holdings, LLC., marks a new phase in the airline’s strategic plan and growth.
SkyWorks specialises in aircraft lease origination and provides a full suite of aircraft and lease management services for airlines and investors.
Speaking on this landmark expansion, Executive Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, said the new fleet would enable the airlines to operate new flights into approved domestic, regional and international destinations, lift more passengers and cargo at competitive fares and provide efficient point-to-point travel.
He said that this would help Nigerians and other African travellers 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, Boeing’s Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing for Africa, Anbessie Yitbarek, 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 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: “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.”
