• Southwest sells six 737-800s to United Nigeria, with options for four more, in a deal structured by SkyWorks.

• The agreement includes paid training and technical support, ensuring smooth aircraft entry into service for United Nigeria.

• Southwest turns fleet renewal into a services revenue stream, while United Nigeria doubles capacity to meet rising demand.

SkyWorks Holdings has structured a September 2025 agreement between Southwest Airlines and United Nigeria Airlines that turns a routine fleet renewal into a wider services package. The U.S. low-cost giant is transferring six Boeing 737-800 aircraft, with options for four more, to the Nigerian carrier. The deal gives United Nigeria a chance to double its capacity while allowing Southwest to offload mid-life aircraft as it transitions to newer 737 MAX models.

For United Nigeria, founded in 2021 and based in Enugu, the agreement is transformative. The airline currently flies Embraer ERJ-145s and a handful of 737s on domestic routes such as Lagos–Abuja, as well as short regional services. Adding six 737-800s in a single step, with delivery beginning in 2026, positions the carrier to meet rising demand in West Africa, where IATA projects 6–8% annual traffic growth.

What makes this deal stand out is that it is not limited to aircraft transfer. According to statements from the parties, Southwest will provide training for Nigerian crews on the 737-800 platform and extend technical support during the induction period. These services come as part of the commercial agreement: they are not free of charge, but bundled into the overall transaction, creating additional value for Southwest and ensuring operational continuity for United Nigeria.

Training is expected to cover pilot differences courses and engineering familiarization, with some of it conducted in Dallas. Technical support will focus on easing the entry into service of the aircraft and smoothing access to spare parts. For United Nigeria, the inclusion of this support reduces execution risk and helps the airline align with international safety standards at a time when the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority is tightening oversight.

For Southwest, led by CEO Bob Jordan, the deal frees up capital tied to older jets while preserving a revenue line from training and support. The carrier operates more than 800 aircraft, making it the largest 737 operator worldwide, and has committed around $19 billion through 2030 to fleet renewal. Packaging services with the asset transfer extends the commercial life of its 737-800s while avoiding the simple scrap or storage route.

The transaction reflects broader realities in the African aviation market. With Boeing and Airbus order backlogs stretching 5–7 years, carriers often rely on used aircraft to expand capacity quickly. Ethiopian Airlines and Nigeria’s Air Peace have taken similar steps. What differentiates this Southwest–United Nigeria deal is the formalized support element, ensuring that the acquiring airline has access to expertise and technical assistance during the transition.

Strategically, the arrangement benefits all sides. Nigeria strengthens its aviation sector as it pursues hub ambitions under the African Continental Free Trade Area. United Nigeria secures growth capacity with reduced operational risk. Southwest leverages a fleet renewal into a services opportunity, generating income alongside the aircraft sale. And SkyWorks underscores its role as a bridge between mature U.S. markets and fast-growing African carriers.

Idriss Linge