United Nigeria Airlines has signed a strategic aircraft acquisition agreement with Southwest Airlines for six Boeing 737-800 aircraft, marking a significant milestone in the Nigerian carrier’s fleet expansion and growth trajectory.
The deal was formalized during a signing ceremony at Southwest Airlines’ corporate headquarters in Dallas, Texas, positioning United Nigeria for enhanced operations across domestic, regional, and international routes.
The Boeing 737-800 aircraft, renowned for their fuel efficiency, advanced technology, and passenger comfort features, will enable United Nigeria to significantly expand its operational capacity while reducing costs. Each aircraft can accommodate up to 189 passengers in a single-class configuration and offers a range of approximately 2,935 nautical miles, making them ideal for both short-haul and medium-haul routes.
The spacious cabin design includes wider seats, larger overhead bins, and improved lighting systems, enhancing the overall passenger experience. The aircraft’s advanced aerodynamics and efficient engines deliver impressive fuel efficiency, substantially reducing operational costs while minimizing environmental impact.
The agreement extends beyond a simple aircraft transaction, establishing a comprehensive partnership with Southwest Airlines, one of America’s most reliable and profitable operators of the Boeing 737NG family. This collaboration includes ongoing technical support, maintenance cooperation, and crew training assistance, reinforcing safety and operational excellence across United Nigeria’s fleet.
Professor Obiora Okonkwo, Executive Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, emphasized the significance of this development. “After four years of consistent and reliable operations, upgrading to the Boeing 737-800 allows us to scale our services profitably while offering enhanced travel options to Nigerians and other African passengers,” he stated.
The six-aircraft deal represents the initial phase of a larger expansion strategy. United Nigeria has expressed interest in acquiring an additional four Boeing 737-800NG aircraft, bringing the total fleet addition to ten aircraft. These additional aircraft are scheduled for delivery between the first quarter of 2026 and the first quarter of 2027.
Okonkwo highlighted the broader economic implications of the acquisition, noting that it will generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs while contributing to Nigeria’s economic development goals under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. The enhanced fleet will enable the airline to operate more direct flights to approved destinations, eliminate inefficient layovers, and provide competitive fares for both passenger and cargo services.
Anbessie Yitbarek, Boeing’s Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing for Africa, welcomed the partnership during the Dallas signing ceremony. “We are pleased to welcome United Nigeria Airlines to the 737 family with its first 737-800. This aircraft offers the superior reliability, fuel efficiency, and returns that operators need in today’s competitive aviation environment,” Yitbarek commented.
Okonkwo acknowledged the strong support received from Boeing throughout the acquisition process and praised Southwest Airlines’ excellent maintenance culture, which aligns with United Nigeria’s operational standards. “The excellent maintenance culture of Southwest Airlines, which is in line with United Nigeria Airlines’ culture, motivated us to make the acquisition,” he noted.
This strategic acquisition positions United Nigeria Airlines to better serve the growing demand for air travel within Nigeria and across Africa. The enhanced fleet will enable the airline to offer efficient point-to-point travel, helping Nigerian and African travelers save valuable time while accessing a broader network of destinations.
The partnership with Southwest Airlines and the planned fleet expansion demonstrate United Nigeria’s commitment to growth while maintaining operational excellence. The airline’s ability to leverage Southwest’s expertise in Boeing 737 operations should contribute to improved efficiency and service quality as it expands its domestic, regional, and international route network.
Both airlines confirmed that discussions are ongoing to broaden their collaboration, with Southwest Airlines expected to maintain a continued support role even after aircraft delivery, ensuring smooth integration and optimal performance of the new fleet.
