By Joshua Tosin Ogunsakin 
United Nigeria Airlines has signed a partnership agreement with United States-based Southwest Airlines to bring in six Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
Four additional Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft will join the fleet by next year.
Reflecting on the deal, Executive Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof Obiora Okonkwo, said: “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.”
The Boeing 737-800, renowned for its advanced technology and design enhancements that improve performance, efficiency, and passenger comfort, will enable United Nigeria Airlines to broaden its domestic, regional, and international operations, enhance efficiency and capacity, and strengthen Nigeria’s competitive edge in global aviation.
According to the airline, this agreement represents not only the acquisition of aircraft but also a ground-breaking opportunity for collaboration with Southwest Airlines, one of America’s most reliable and profitable operators of the B737NG family.
With impressive fuel efficiency due to its advanced aerodynamics and efficient engines, the 737-800 significantly reduces operational costs and minimizes environmental impact.
Its versatile range of approximately 2,935 nautical miles will allow United Nigeria Airlines to serve both short-haul and medium-haul routes effectively, optimizing our networks.
The spacious cabin enhances passenger-comfort with wider seats, larger overhead bins, and improved lighting, accommodating up to 189 passengers in a single-class configuration.
“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,” Prof Okonkwo said.
“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, helping Nigerians and other African travellers to eliminate inefficient stopovers and save valuable time.
In addition, this acquisition will generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs and boost the Nigeria’s economic development and growth in line with the policies of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Anbessie Yitbarek, Boeing’s vice president of Commercial Sales and Marketing for Africa, speaking during the signing at the corporate campus of Southwest Airlines in Dallas, USA, 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 Airlines with superior reliability, fuel efficiency and high-value returns operators require in today’s competitive market.”
It was also revealed that this acquisition was brokered in partnership with SkyWorks Holdings, LLC.
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.”