BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
In what could be described as a strategic step towards growing organically, United Nigeria Airlines has signed a key agreement with United States carrier, Southwest Airlines, for the delivery of six Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
The deal, announced at Southwest Airlines’ corporate campus in Dallas, highlights the carrier’s ambition to cement its place as one of Africa’s fastest-growing airlines.
The acquisition, facilitated by aviation finance specialists SkyWorks Holdings, marks a turning point for United Nigeria Airlines as it transitions into a stronger player on both regional and international routes.
With additional orders planned, the fleet expansion is set to reshape Nigeria’s aviation landscape and boost connectivity across Africa and beyond.
The Boeing 737-800 is widely recognised as one of the most reliable and efficient aircraft in the skies today.
With its advanced aerodynamics, efficient engines, and extended range of up to 2,935 nautical miles, the aircraft offers a balance of fuel efficiency and passenger comfort.
It will allow United Nigeria Airlines to operate both short-haul and medium-haul routes more effectively, reduce operational costs, and open up new destinations for its growing customer base.
For passengers, the 737-800 promises a superior travel experience, boasting a spacious cabin, improved lighting, larger overhead bins, and seating capacity for up to 189 passengers.
“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,” said Professor Obiora Okonkwo, OFR, Executive Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines.
He emphasised that the acquisition goes beyond enhancing operations, noting its ripple effect on Nigeria’s economy.
“The new fleet will enable us to operate new flights into approved domestic, regional and international designations, lift more passengers and cargo at competitive fares, and provide efficient point-to-point travels.
“This will help Nigerians and other African travellers eliminate inefficient stopovers and save valuable time.
In addition, “this acquisition will generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs and boost Nigeria’s economic development and growth in line with the policies of President Bola Tinubu”, he said.
Professor Okonkwo highlighted the strong support from both Boeing and Southwest Airlines during the negotiations.
He credited Southwest’s excellent maintenance culture as a motivating factor in the deal, aligning closely with United Nigeria Airlines’ own operational standards.
“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”, he noted.
Okonkwo also disclosed that the airline has expressed interest in acquiring an additional four Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft, bringing the total fleet to 10 by 2027.
The deal has been warmly welcomed by Boeing, with Anbessie Yitbarek, Boeing’s Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing for Africa, noting: “We are pleased to welcome United Nigeria Airlines to the 737 family with its first 737-800. The 737-800 will provide United Nigeria Airlines with superior reliability, fuel efficiency and high-value returns operators require in today’s competitive market.”
Broker SkyWorks Holdings described the transaction as a win-win for both carriers. Anders Hebrand, Chief Commercial Officer of SkyWorks Holdings, LLC, said:
“We’re pleased to have partnered with Southwest Airlines as they continue to restructure and modernize 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.”
The announcement comes at a time when Africa’s aviation sector is seeing renewed interest and investment, with Nigeria poised to be a key hub given its population size and strategic location.
United Nigeria Airlines’ fleet expansion aligns with national efforts to position the country as a major aviation gateway in West Africa.
As deliveries of the aircraft begin, the airline is expected to roll out new routes, improve reliability, and expand cargo operations, strengthening its role as a catalyst for economic growth and regional integration.
United Nigeria Airlines management said the deal is more than a fleet upgrade as it amplifies its intent to become a dominant force in African aviation while offering Nigerians world-class air travel.
