United Nigeria Airlines Set For Expansion With 10 Ex-Southwest 737NGs

United Nigeria Airlines is looking ahead to Boeing 737-800 operations after signing an agreement with U.S. LCC Southwest Airlines to acquire six of the aircraft.

 

The deal, finalized in the first week of September, supports both Nigeria’s goal to strengthen its aviation sector and Southwest’s ongoing fleet modernization.

 

The privately-owned Nigerian airline will also acquire an additional four 737-800 aircraft, bringing the total to 10 between the first quarter of 2026 and the first quarter of 2027.

 

The Nigerian government has prioritized aviation as a key growth sector under its economic development policies.

 

Obiora Okonkwo, executive chairman of United Nigeria, said the acquisition marks “a turning point” for the young airline, which launched operations in 2021, and will support local employment.

 

“After four years of solid and reliable operations, the Boeing 737-800 upgrade will pave the way for a more profitable expansion and growth,” he said. “The aircraft will generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs and contribute to Nigeria’s economic development.

 

“We are looking forward to continued collaboration with Southwest Airlines post-delivery in different areas such as training and maintenance support, among other areas,” he added.

 

Anders Hebrand, CCO of SkyWorks Holdings, which brokered the transaction, 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.”

 

United Nigeria Airlines, based at Enugu Airport, currently operates four Embraer ERJ-145s, primarily on domestic routes. The addition of the 737-800s will enable the airline to expand across West Africa and potentially into other regions of the continent.