United Nigeria Seals Boeing 737-800 Acquisition agreement

United Nigeria Airlines (one) signed a sales and purchase of aircraft with Southwest Airlines aircraft for the delivery of six Boeing 737-800 planes to deepen national, regional and international operations.

The president of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo, announced it in a Sunday statement in Lagos.

Okonkwo said that the signature ceremony was held on the Dallas Southwest Airlines campus in the United States and was mediated by Skyworks Holdings, LLC.

According to Okonkwo, development has marked a new phase of the strategic plan and the growth of the airline.

Okonkwo said that Boeing 737-800 was renowned for his advanced improvements in technology and design that improved the performance, efficiency and comfort of passengers.

He added that the acquisition would allow one to expand operations, improve efficiency and ability and strengthen the competitive advantage of Nigeria in global aviation.

The president said that the agreement represented not only the acquisition of aircraft, but also an innovative opportunity for the collaboration with Southwest Airlines.

He said that the efficiency of the aeromobile fuel thanks to his advanced aerodynamics and efficient engines would reduce operating costs and minimize the environmental impact.

He added that his versatile range of about 2,935 nautical miles would allow the airlines of United Nigeria to effectively serve short and medium -range routes, optimizing the nets.

“After four years of solid and reliable operations of one, the Boeing 737-800 update will open the way for more profitable expansion and growth.

“The new fleet will allow us to manage new flights in approved national, regional and international national and international designations, lift more passengers and goods at competitive rates and to offer efficient trips from point to point.

“In addition, this acquisition will generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs and increase the economic development and growth of Nigeria in line with the policies of President Bola Tinubu.

“We must establish the strong support that we received from Boeing during the entire process and the promise of continuous support to ensure regular entry into service and the functioning of the fleet,” he said.

Okonkwo said one could wait to continue the collaboration with Southwest Airlines.

“Consequently, we expressed interest in the acquisition of other Boeing 737-800 NG planes, bringing the total number to 10, which will be inserted in the fleet of one of the first quarter of 2026 and the first quarter of 2027,” said Okonkwo.

He mentioned Mr. Anbessie Yitbarek, vice-president of Boeing of commercial sales and marketing for Africa, said during the signature ceremony that 737-800 planes would have provided a higher reliability, the efficiency of fuel and high-value returns.

Okonkwo also mentioned the Chief Commercial Officer of Skyworks Holdings, LLC, Anders Hebrandas saying: “We are pleased to have collaborated with Southwest Airlines while continuing to renovate and modernize his fleet.

“With United Nigeria Airlines, these high-level 737-800 have found a large house in the growing African aviation market, where they will be productive for many other years to come.”