United Nigeria Airlines has signed a historic aircraft purchase deal with Southwest Airlines, establishing itself as a major force in the expanding aviation sector in Africa.
The historic agreement will see the delivery of six Boeing 737-800 planes in the current year, a significant milestone for one of the fastest-growing airlines in Africa.
The large fleet expansion includes an extra four Boeing 737-800 NG planes for delivery in Q1 2026 to Q1 2027.
The strategic purchase, made possible through a partnership with SkyWorks Holdings LLC, raises the number of planes to 10 Boeing 737-800s, a considerable investment in United Nigeria Airlines’ operational capacity.
United Nigeria Airlines Executive Chairman Professor Obiora Okonkwo underscored the transformative impact this fleet upgrade would have on operational efficiency and passenger service. “The massive aircraft procurement would generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs and boost the country’s economic growth and development, as articulated in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s policies,” stated Okonkwo during the announcement.
The partnership leverages Southwest Airlines’ globally renowned maintenance expertise and sound operational expertise, matched with United Nigeria Airlines’ reliability and safety emphasis.
As the world’s largest Boeing 737 operator, Southwest Airlines brings invaluable experience with low-cost, efficient air transportation operations to the partnership.
This aircraft purchase is not just a matter of fleet expansion; it is a sign of significant economic development potential for Nigeria’s aviation sector. The agreement is set to eradicate wasteful stopovers for Nigerian and African passengers while generating thousands of direct and indirect jobs along the aviation value chain.
Boeing’s 737-800 aircraft features cutting-edge technology focused on fuel efficiency, operational reliability, and comfort levels for passengers. Anbessie Yitbarek, Boeing Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing for Africa, highlighted the aircraft’s “superior reliability, fuel efficiency and high-value returns operators require in today’s competitive market.”
Having had four years of sound operational performance, the Boeing 737-800 upgrade positions United Nigeria Airlines for profitable growth on domestic, regional, and global routes. The enhanced fleet capacity will enable competitive levels of fares while establishing Nigeria’s role in the global aviation markets.
