Ime Akpan
United Nigeria Airlines (UNA) has signed a landmark aircraft sale and purchase agreement with Southwest Airlines for the delivery of six Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
The airline said in a statement that the acquisition deal was signed at the corporate headquarters of Southwest Airlines in Dallas, USA.
UNA said the fleet expansion programme marks a new phase in its strategic plan and growth.
“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.
“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, the statement said.
The statement quoted the executive chairman of the airline, Prof Obiora Okonkwo as saying that the Boeing 737-800 upgrades “will pave the way for a more profitable expansion and growth.”
Okonkwo added: “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.”
Furthermore, he thanked Boeing for 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.”
He also commenced Southwest Airlines for its “excellent maintenance culture” which he said “is in line with United Nigeria Airlines’ culture.”
“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 ten, which will be inducted into the United Nigeria Airlines fleet between the first quarter of 2026 and the first quarter of 2027,” Okonkwo said.
In his remarks, Boeing’s vice president of commercial sales and marketing for Africa, Mr Anbessie Yitbarek, said he was pleased to welcome the Nigerian carrier 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,” he added.
The acquisition was brokered in partnership with SkyWorks Holdings, LLC.
“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,” the chief commercial officer of SkyWorks Holdings, LLC, Mr Anders Hebrand noted.
UNA is a Nigerian carrier dedicated to delivering safe, reliable, and customer focused air travels. Since its inception, the airline has connected Nigerians across key cities and is expanding to regional and international destinations.
Southwest Airlines is the world’s largest operator of the Boeing 737 and a global leader in affordable and reliable air travel. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, the airline is recognized for its efficient fleet and customer-focused service.
SkyWorks provides a full complement of leasing, investment banking, and advisory services exclusively dedicated to commercial aviation.
It specialises in aircraft lease origination and providing a full suite of aircraft and lease management services for airlines and investors.
Besides, it is a premier advisory and investment banking firm with key activities including financing arrangement, order campaigns, restructuring advisory, and network and fleet advisory.
