United Nigeria Airlines acquires six Boeing 737-800NG aircraft

As part of the ambitious expansion plan, United Nigeria Airlines has announced the acquisition of six Boeing 737-800 Next Generation (NG) aircraft, in a landmark deal sealed with America’s Southwest Airlines and Boeing.

The deal also includes plans for an additional four aircraft, bringing the total acquisition to 10.

With impressive fuel efficiency from advanced aerodynamics and engines, the 737-800 reduces operational costs and minimizes environmental impact. Its versatile range of approximately 2,935 nautical miles will allow United Nigeria Airlines to effectively serve both short-haul and medium-haul routes.

The aircraft also offers a spacious cabin with wider seats, larger overhead bins, improved lighting, and the capacity to accommodate up to 189 passengers in a single-class configuration.

During the signing ceremony held at Southwest Airlines’ corporate campus in Dallas, USA, Boeing’s Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing for Africa, Anbessie Yitbarek, in a statement said,  “We are pleased to welcome United Nigeria Airlines to the 737 family with its first 737-800.”

“After four years of solid and reliable operations, this Boeing 737-800 upgrade will pave the way for a more profitable expansion and growth,” said Professor Obiora Okonkwo, Executive Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines.

“The new fleet will enable us to operate additional flights to approved domestic, regional, and international destinations, lift more passengers and cargo at competitive fares, and provide efficient point-to-point travel. This will help Nigerians and other African travelers avoid inefficient stopovers, saving valuable time, while also creating thousands of direct and indirect jobs for Nigerians.”