Air Peace’s Success Showcases Nigeria’s Rising Potential in Global Aviation, Says Keyamo
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, has celebrated Air Peace’s milestone success in the aviation sector, describing it as a symbol of Nigeria’s expanding influence in global aviation.
Keyamo made this assertion at the 10th-anniversary celebration of Air Peace held at Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, where he applauded the airline’s high standards and global achievements that have bolstered Nigeria’s position on the world stage.
Keyamo highlighted Air Peace as a leader not only in Nigeria but also across West Africa, with the airline’s world-class operations continuing to elevate the nation’s standing within the aviation industry.
He affirmed the federal government’s ongoing support for the airline, ensuring that such a “proud ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria” remains competitive internationally.
“We are proud to support Air Peace,” Keyamo said, adding that the airline has become a symbol of national pride. “They’re rubbing shoulders with some of the biggest airlines globally, and that is thanks to a local entrepreneur here in Nigeria. They deserve all the praise and all the support.”
He further noted that Air Peace’s operational success and the government’s recent initiatives have started drawing global attention to Nigeria’s aviation market, with international lessors and financiers now eager to collaborate with Nigerian airlines on dry leasing and financing arrangements.
He shared the news of an invitation received from global aircraft financiers and lessors to discuss business opportunities with Nigerian operators in Ireland early next year.
Reflecting on the difficulties faced by Nigerian airlines historically, Keyamo pointed out the high mortality rate among local carriers over the last few decades, with more than a hundred airlines failing to sustain operations in the past 40 years.
“It’s rare for an airline to operate beyond 10 years in Nigeria’s tough aviation climate,” he remarked. “Air Peace has, however, defied the odds, celebrating a decade of growth and showing no signs of decline.”
Since assuming office, one of Keyamo’s first initiatives was to engage with airline operators and other industry stakeholders to understand and address their challenges.
“We listened to them, examined their issues, and we are now directly addressing those concerns,” he affirmed. “What has been neglected for the last 40 years, causing airlines to collapse, are the very issues we are resolving. We will not let our airlines go under anymore.”
He shared that the positive outcomes of his consultations with industry stakeholders would soon reflect in the rise of additional local carriers covering domestic, regional, and international routes.
Responding to the minister’s remarks, Dr Allen Onyema, founder of Air Peace, expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Keyamo to the aviation ministry, attributing recent positive shifts in the industry to this decision.
“Hope began to rise with Keyamo’s appointment,” Onyema noted, praising the minister’s commitment to restructuring the sector and bolstering Nigerian airlines’ global competitiveness.
He assured that Air Peace would continue to innovate and uphold its service standards, representing Nigeria proudly on the world map.
Founded on 25 October 2014, Air Peace has rapidly grown into one of Nigeria’s most trusted airlines, with a robust fleet and expanded route network.
What began with seven aircraft serving five destinations has since evolved into a West African aviation leader, now operating international flights to destinations including China and the United Kingdom.
The airline’s remarkable journey exemplifies the possibilities within Nigeria’s aviation industry, leading the way towards an even brighter future in global aviation.
