Southwest Airlines sells six Boeing 737-800s to Nigerian carrier
September 8, 2025
Southwest Airlines has finalised an agreement to sell six Boeing 737-800 aircraft to United Nigeria Airlines. The deal, finalised last week, supports both Southwest’s ongoing fleet modernisation strategy and Nigeria’s push to strengthen its aviation sector.
Nigeria’s government has prioritised aviation as a key growth sector under its economic development policies, encouraging local carriers to expand their fleets and enhance connectivity across Africa.
Supporting United Nigeria Airlines’ expansion
Founded in 2021, United Nigeria Airlines currently operates a fleet of four Embraer ERJ-145 regional jets. The addition of six 737-800 Next Generation (NG) jets will significantly expand its capacity.
“After four years of solid and reliable operations by United Nigeria Airlines, the Boeing 737-800 upgrade will pave the way for a more profitable expansion and growth,” said Professor Obiora Okonkwo, OFR, Executive Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines.
“The new fleet will enable us to operate new flights into approved domestic, regional and international destinations, lift more passengers and cargo at competitive fares, and provide efficient point-to-point travel, helping Nigerians and other African travellers to eliminate inefficient stopovers and save valuable time.”
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…
— United Nigeria Airline (@flyunitedng) September 8, 2025
Professor Okonkwo also noted “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.”
United Nigeria has also reached an agreement with Southwest Airlines for ongoing “training and maintenance support, among other areas.”
The airline expressed interest in acquiring four additional Boeing 737-800 NG aircraft from Southwest, bringing the total to ten. These would be added to the United Nigeria Airlines fleet between the first quarter of 2026 and the first quarter of 2027.
SkyWorks Holdings, LLC brokered the aircraft acquisition. “We’re pleased to have partnered with Southwest Airlines as they continue to restructure and modernise their fleet,” said Anders Hebrand, Chief Commercial Officer of SkyWorks Holdings, LLC.
“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.”
Why Southwest is selling aircraft
For Southwest Airlines, the sale fits its long-term fleet plan. The Dallas-based low-cost carrier is transitioning to an all-737 MAX fleet and gradually retiring its older 737-700 and 737-800 NG models.
The aircraft sale is part of a broader turnaround plan for the low-cost carrier by its hedge fund investor Elliott Management. The airline will sell its older 737-800s and employ sale-leaseback arrangements for other aircraft, including newer 737 MAX jets.
In January, Southwest executed a sale-and-leaseback deal with lessor BBAM covering 36 737-800s. These sales and sale-leasebacks will allow Southwest to raise capital to support planned upgrades, including cabin refurbishments and the introduction of new premium seating.
