United Nigeria Airlines set to acquire 6 ex-Southwest Boeing 737-800s
United Nigeria Airlines, the small privately-owned Nigerian carrier, has announced a major expansion to its fleet and operations with the acquisition of six Boeing 737-800s with the option to take a further four aircraft. The acquisition would take the airline’s fleet from the current five aircraft to fifteen, should all the aircraft be inducted into the fleet.
As reported by The Nation Nigeria, the airline has signed an agreement with US carrier Southwest Airlines to take an initial six aircraft formerly used by the Dallas-based company, with an option for a further four aircraft in the future. All aircraft are understood to have flown with Southwest for their entire careers but are now earmarked for retirement as new Boeing 737 MAX 8s enter its fleet. Southwest currently has 203 737-800s in its fleet with an average fleet age of 10.1 years.
United Nigeria Airlines is based at Enugu Airport (ENU) in Nigeria and started operations in 2021. The airline currently operates a fleet of five aircraft, which includes four 50-seat Embraer 145s plus a single Boeing 737-500, which is 33 years old and is listed by ch-aviation as ‘inactive-stored in Lagos’.
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According to the airline, the 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.”
What UNA’s CEO says
Commenting on the deal, Executive Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof Obiora Okonkwo, said, “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 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 aircraft, bringing the total to ten, which will be inducted into the United Nigeria Airlines fleet between the first quarter of 2026 and the first quarter of 2027.”
Markus Mainka / Shutterstock“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.”
“The new fleet will enable us to operate new flights into approved domestic, regional and international destinations, lift more passengers and cargo at competitive fares, and provide efficient point-to-point travel, helping Nigerians and other African travellers to eliminate inefficient stopovers and save valuable time.”
“Superior reliability”
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 by the parties that the acquisition of the six aircraft was brokered in partnership with SkyWorks Holdings. Anders Hebrand, Chief Commercial Officer of SkyWorks Holdings, 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.”
Press StatementUNITED NIGERIA AIRLINES AND SOUTHWEST AIRLINES SEAL AGREEMENT FOR 737-800 DELIVERYDallas, USA – 3 September 2025 – United Nigeria Airlines, one of Africa’s fastest-growing carriers, today announced the signing of a landmark aircraft sale and purchase agreement… pic.twitter.com/tZqGJSCkbs— United Nigeria Airline (@flyunitedng) September 7, 2025 The airline currently flies on 18 routes serving 11 destinations across Nigeria. These include all the major airports, including Abuja (ABV), Kano (KAN), Port Harcourt (PHC), and Lagos (LOS).
“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,” the airline’s statement concludes.
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United Nigeria Airlines, the small privately-owned Nigerian carrier, has announced a major expansion to its fleet and operations…
The post United Nigeria Airlines set to acquire 6 ex-Southwest Boeing 737-800s appeared first on AeroTime.
