United Nigeria Airlines expands fleet with ex-Southwest Boeing 737-800 acquisition

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United Nigeria Airlines expands fleet with ex-Southwest Boeing 737-800 acquisition

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Obiora Okonkwo, CEO | United Nigeria Airlines

By Sky Industry News

Sep 17, 2025

United Nigeria Airlines has announced plans to expand its fleet by acquiring six Boeing 737-800 aircraft previously operated by Southwest Airlines. The deal, which also includes options for four additional jets, could see the carrier’s fleet grow from five to as many as fifteen aircraft between early 2026 and early 2027.

The agreement was facilitated by SkyWorks and is part of Elliott Management's efforts to encourage Southwest Airlines to streamline its operations by selling older Boeing 737-800s. As part of the arrangement, Southwest will continue to support United Nigeria Airlines with training and maintenance after delivery, alongside assistance from Boeing.

According to United Nigeria Airlines, “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.”

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Currently operating four Embraer ERJ-145 regional jets and one Boeing 737-500, United Nigeria Airlines aims to use the higher-capacity 737-800s on trunk routes within Nigeria as well as medium-haul flights across West and Central Africa. The new aircraft are expected to provide better reliability—an important factor for a growing airline—and reduce costs per seat mile compared with smaller regional jets.

With a range of about 3,000 nautical miles and single-class seating for up to 189 passengers, these aircraft will allow United Nigeria Airlines to serve high-demand domestic markets more efficiently while opening new connections throughout West/Central Africa. The airline is based in Enugu and launched operations in February 2021 with service between Lagos (Murtala Muhammed International Airport) and Enugu. Since then it has expanded service to nine destinations across the country.

The cabin upgrades planned for these jets include larger overhead bins, improved lighting systems, increased seating capacity up to 189 seats per plane, and greater cargo hold space. These changes are intended both to improve passenger experience and boost ancillary revenue through additional cargo services.

Founded in 2020 at Enugu International Airport (ENU), United Nigeria Airlines is led by executive chairman Professor Obiorah Okonkwo. The company’s growth strategy comes amid challenges faced by African airlines over recent years—including several collapses—which have left the region without dominant legacy carriers.

Southwest Airlines—founded in 1967—is headquartered in the United States with Robert Jordan serving as CEO. It operates from major hubs including Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport; Dallas Love Field; Denver International Airport; Harry Reid International Airport; Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport; Houston Hobby Airport; Los Angeles International Airport; Midway International Airport; Oakland International Airport; Orlando International Airport; Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport.

United Nigeria Airlines’ expansion signals a long-term commitment toward becoming a significant regional operator with ambitions beyond domestic markets into Central and Western Africa.