Victor EzejaIn just a decade, Air Peace has made impressive strides soaring from a modest beginning in 2014 with seven aircraft to an aviation giant of West and Central Africa.
In line with its foundational goal of providing seamless domestic, regional and international connectivity to Nigerians and other Africans, the airline has been ardently focused on expanding its routes.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelOn 30th March 2024, the airline commenced its historic direct flight to London from Lagos, breaking the jinx of Nigerian carriers not being able to successfully operate the route on long term basis over the years.
Since the flight operations began, Air Peace has earned massive goodwill from Nigerians who have continued to patronise the airline. Apart from being a thing of pride for Nigerians to see an aircraft registered in Nigeria flying Nigerian flag regularly into major UK airports, the Air Peace’s entry into the London route led to a significant reduction of airfares. According to analysts, it sparked “a price war” as other foreign airlines that were previously operating the route and charging outrageous fares, slashed their prices in a bid to out-compete Air Peace. However, the airline has continued to ride on the back of its goodwill and excellent service to customers to record high-passenger traffic.
The airline currently has a network of 21 domestic routes, 10 regional routes, and seven international destinations (Mumbai, Johannesburg, Jeddah and London). The airline’s expanding fleet includes over 40 aircraft, including five brand new Embraer 195-E2s and a recent firm order for five new Embraer 175s.
While Air Peace plans to begin flights to New York and Houston by the end of 2024, another feather has been added to its cap recently in terms route expansion, with the announcement that the airline and Caverton have been designated to operate on the Nigeria-Brazil route. The announcement followed the commencement of discussions between Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development and Carlos Garcete, the Brazilian Ambassador to Nigeria, to activate the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) and initiate direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil.
Air Peace and its Chairman, Dr Allen Onyema, have continued to receive series of commendations and awards for its giant strides in not just Nigeria but Africa’s aviation space.
Recently the airline and its chairman made the headlines for their recognition at the 21st Anniversary of Marketing Edge during its Edge Awards 2024. While the airline received the prestigious ‘Outstanding Brand of the Year’ award, Dr. Onyema was named ‘Brand Personality of the Year’ for his transformative leadership, nationalistic efforts, and corporate philanthropy.
The award ceremony held on 28th September in Lagos, celebrated Air Peace for its exceptional contributions to the Nigerian aviation industry, its innovative spirit, and its relentless pursuit of excellence across Africa and beyond.
Since the London flight operation began six months ago, there have been avalanche of positive stories by customers about their in-flight experiences on the route, a testimony of the quality of customer service offered to passengers.
Apart from affordable fares, they also confess about enjoying intercontinental delicacies offered during the flight.
Apart from the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, who has been very supportive, a couple of other prominent Nigerians have used the airline in flying to London and expressed their satisfaction with the service rendered and recommended it others.
Recently, former governor of Kano State and presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, hailed the airline for its exceptional customer service.
Kwankwaso, who travelled from Lagos to London through the airline, expressed his satisfaction and recommended the airline to other travelers.
Describing the flight, the former governor said: “Very wonderful takeoff, smooth landing, and of course, a very comfortable environment.”
While hailing the entrepreneurial spirit of Dr Allen Onyema, Kwankwaso also urged Air Peace to consider commencing flight service on other domestic routes including Kano, adding that many passengers will be very happy to fly the airline.
Also, former President Olusegun Obasanjo was spotted in a video on Air Peace flight from London to Lagos, Nigeria, expressing his satisfaction with the flight.
Also, the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Lamido Sanusi; a former Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo; Labour Party candidate in the Edo 2024 governorship election, olumide Akpata, and Chairman of Rainoil, Gabriel Ogbechie, among others, have also enjoyed the flight service of Air Peace on the London route.
Nigerian socialite and entrepreneur, Obi Cubana, has on different occasions, also shared his experience using the Air Peace flight to London.
Almost on a daily basis, travellers who use Air Peace for the London flight, use social media to describe their satisfaction.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
