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

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.