SOUTH AFRICA’s low-cost carrier Lift has expanded its fleet with the addition of an Airbus A320-232, registered ZS-GAG, which entered commercial service on 19 June 2026. The 16.9-year-old aircraft, operated by Global Aviation on behalf of Lift, is configured with 168 seats, including 12 premium-class and 156 economy-class seats. Originally delivered to Tiger Airways in SINGAPORE in 2009 as 9V-TAK, the aircraft later served with Tigerair Australia and Virgin Australia before being withdrawn from service in February 2025. Following a period of storage and subsequent transfer to Global Aviation earlier this year, the aircraft was re-registered in SOUTH AFRICA as ZS-GAG and inducted into Lift’s fleet. Powered by two IAE V2527-A5 engines, the aircraft strengthens Lift’s domestic capacity and supports the airline’s continued growth strategy in SOUTH AFRICA’s increasingly competitive air transport market.
NIGERIA’s United Nigeria Airlines has taken delivery of an Embraer ERJ-190AR (ERJ-190-100 IGW), registered UR-RWG, as part of its ongoing fleet expansion strategy. The 20-year-old regional jet joined the carrier on 18 June 2026 under a lease arrangement from Windrose Airlines, which itself leases the aircraft from EIC Aircraft Leasing. Powered by two GE CF34-10E5 engines, the aircraft has a diverse operational history, having previously flown with Air Canada, Aeroméxico Connect (through Aerolitoral), and other operators before undergoing storage and transition through several leasing companies. The addition of the Embraer 190 is expected to strengthen United Nigeria Airlines’ domestic and regional operations by providing enhanced operational flexibility and efficient capacity deployment across its network in NIGERIA and the wider West AFRICAN market.
NIGERIA’s United Nigeria Airlines has further strengthened its fleet with the addition of a Boeing 737-800, registered 5N-CFC, which was delivered on 13 June 2026. The 12.2-year-old aircraft (MSN 36895), powered by two CFM International CFM56-7B27E engines, previously operated with Southwest Airlines in the UNITED STATES from 2014 until its withdrawal from service in December 2025. Following a period of storage and transition, the aircraft was acquired by United Nigeria Airlines in April 2026, re-registered as 5N-CFC, and inducted into the carrier’s fleet in June. The addition of the Boeing 737-800 provides the airline with increased seat capacity and operational flexibility, supporting its network expansion plans and strengthening its ability to meet growing passenger demand across NIGERIA’S domestic market and regional routes within West AFRICA.
NIGERIA’s United Nigeria Airlines has continued its fleet expansion with the addition of a second Boeing 737-800, registered 5N-BFB, which was delivered on 13 June 2026. The 11.9-year-old aircraft (MSN 42525), powered by two CFM International CFM56-7B27E engines, previously operated with Southwest Airlines in the UNITED STATES since its delivery in August 2014 before being withdrawn from service in December 2025. Acquired by United Nigeria Airlines in April 2026, the aircraft underwent transition and re-registration before entering service in NIGERIA as 5N-CFB. The addition of the Boeing 737-800 enhances the carrier’s medium-capacity fleet, providing increased seating capacity, operational efficiency, and network flexibility as the airline seeks to strengthen its domestic operations and expand its presence across West AFRICA. Together with sister aircraft 5N-CFC, delivered the same day, the new acquisition underscores United Nigeria Airlines’ commitment to fleet modernisation and growth in response to rising passenger demand.
MALAWI-based Zebu Air has taken delivery of a Boeing 737-31B(SF), MSN 27520, marking the addition of a 30.3-year-old freighter aircraft into its cargo fleet. Originally built as a passenger Boeing 737-31B and first delivered to China Southern Airlines in March 1996, the aircraft was converted into a freighter in October 2017 and subsequently operated under multiple cargo carriers, including YTO Cargo Airlines, North-Western Cargo, and New Way Cargo Airlines, with periods of storage and transitions across several international locations. After an extensive operational history and recent storage activity in 2023–2026, the aircraft was delivered to Zebu Air in MALAWI on 17 June 2026, where it is configured as a Boeing 737-31B(SF) powered by two CFM56-3C1 engines, reinforcing the airline’s cargo capability with a cost-efficient, long-life narrowbody freighter commonly used in regional freight operations.
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