Air Peace launches flights to Abidjan, aims to alleviate Africa’s travel challenges
Air Peace, Nigeria’s leading airline, has marked a significant milestone in the first quarter of 2024 by commencing flight operations to Abidjan, the capital of Côte d’Ivoire.
The airline announced that the inaugural flight, P47770, operated on a B737-500 aircraft under the skilled command of Capt. Gerald Nmorka, who orchestrated a smooth landing at Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport, Abidjan, landed in Abidjan on Monday – January 22, 2024 – and was greeted by a ceremonial water salute.
The airline’s management, led by Director of Flight Operations, Capt. Augustin Kamano, received a warm welcome from Ivory Coast’s airport authorities, Nigerian Embassy officials in Abidjan, and the vibrant Nigerian community.
Capt. Kamano reiterated Air Peace’s commitment, under the leadership of Dr. Allen Onyema, to enhance connectivity within West African countries, alleviating the travel burdens faced by Africans.
Captain Kamano also shared exciting news about the airline’s upcoming 10th regional route to Cotonou, Benin Republic, scheduled for launch on January 27, 2024.
He highlighted that passengers could seamlessly fly from Abidjan to Dakar, Senegal, further promoting regional connectivity.
Speaking on the significance of the Abidjan route, Capt. Kamano said, “Nigeria has a long-standing relationship with Ivory Coast, and the launch of flights by Air Peace into Abidjan today will deepen commercial cooperation and solidify bilateral ties between both countries.
“Since we commenced operations in 2014, we have been on an aggressive but strategic route expansion mission, becoming famed for our no-city-left-behind initiative which goes beyond the West Coast to include international destinations.”
He emphasised Air Peace’s commitment to providing increased connectivity across key cities in the West African sub-region, aiming to facilitate economic prosperity for Africans and make air travel more accessible for the collective development of West African countries.
“The airline is committed to providing increased connectivity across key cities in the West African sub-region and promoting economic prosperity for Africans. We want to make air travel easier for the collective development of all West African countries,” said Capt. Kamano.
Itam Akpama, Charge d’Affairs at the Embassy of Nigeria in Abidjan, acknowledged the timely nature of the flight operation, coinciding with the ongoing African Cup of Nations Competition in Ivory Coast.
She expressed full support, stating, “It is an honour to be here. This is a very timely flight considering the AFCON that is ongoing with an influx of Nigerians and other travelers in and out of Ivory Coast. You have the full support of the Nigerian Embassy and Nigerians in Côte d’Ivoire.”
President of the Nigerian Community in Ivory Coast, Chief Michael Onwuchelu, commended Air Peace’s Chairman, Chief Allen Onyema, for the initiative to connect the African continent through air transportation.
He pledged strong support from the Nigerian community, stating, “Côte d’Ivoire has been a hospitable country, and we will support our own.”
