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United Nigeria Airlines has signed a historic aircraft sales and purchase agreement with Southwest Airlines, the world’s largest operator of Boeing 737s, for the delivery of six Boeing 737-800 aircraft within the year.
The agreement, announced in a press statement by United Nigeria Airlines, also includes the acquisition of an additional four Boeing 737-800NG aircraft, bringing the total to 10 new aircraft scheduled for induction between the first quarter of 2026 and the first quarter of 2027. The deal, brokered in partnership with SkyWorks Holdings, LLC., marks a new phase in United Nigeria Airlines’ strategic growth and fleet expansion plans.
SkyWorks Holdings, a leading provider of aircraft lease origination and comprehensive lease management services, facilitated the agreement, ensuring the transaction aligns with global industry standards.
Speaking on the expansion, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, Executive Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, said the new fleet would enable the airline to operate additional flights across approved domestic, regional, and international routes, increase passenger and cargo capacity at competitive fares, and provide more efficient point-to-point travel.
“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,” Okonkwo said.
He added: “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.”
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Okonkwo highlighted that the airline’s decision was influenced by Southwest Airlines’ excellent maintenance culture, which aligns with United Nigeria Airlines’ operational standards.
“We are looking forward to continued collaboration with Southwest Airlines post-delivery in areas such as training, maintenance support, and other strategic operations. Consequently, we have expressed interest in acquiring an additional four Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft, bringing the total to 10, which will join our fleet between Q1 2026 and Q1 2027.”
During the signing ceremony at Southwest Airlines’ corporate campus 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 superior reliability, fuel efficiency, and high-value returns that operators require in today’s competitive market.”
Chief Commercial Officer of SkyWorks Holdings, Anders Hebrand, added: “We’re pleased to have partnered with Southwest Airlines as United Nigeria Airlines continues to modernize its fleet. 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 years to come.”
Renowned for its advanced technology and design enhancements that improve performance, efficiency, and passenger comfort, the Boeing 737-800 will allow United Nigeria Airlines to broaden its domestic, regional, and international operations, increase operational efficiency, and strengthen Nigeria’s competitive edge in global aviation.
