Nigeria’s Air Peace receives commendations as it launches direct flights to London
Nigeria’s biggest carrier, Air Peace, having achieved a significant milestone for the nation’s aviation, has garnered praise for its triumphant inaugural flight from Lagos to London on Saturday, March 30, 2024.
Carrying a notable figure of 260 passengers, this marked the revival of flight services by an indigenous carrier on one of the nation’s most lucrative routes, dormant since 2019.
The airline deployed a Boeing 777 with a capacity of 274 seats for this maiden journey, culminating in a brief celebratory event at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
Gracing the occasion were esteemed dignitaries including the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite, and the acting Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo, among others.
Other notable personalities such as Professor Obiora Okonkwo, Chairman and CEO of United Nigeria Airlines, and Benedict Adeyileka, a Board Member of Air Peace, were also in attendance.
Passengers aboard the historic flight expressed their anticipation, heralding a new era in Nigerian travel.
“It’s a new dawn for travellers. We are tired of exploitative fares charged by foreign carriers. Air Peace is changing the narrative to air travel with this maiden flight. We see that fares are gradually reducing since Air Peace announced flight service to London. This is good for air travel and Nigeria,” Tony Ike, a passenger on the flight said.
Minister Festus Keyamo, visibly buoyed by the success, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding local carriers venturing into international routes.
He emphasised the potential relief on the national currency and reduced pressure on foreign exchange demand, with Air Peace’s direct Lagos-London route poised to catalyse such benefits.
Echoing similar sentiments, Minister Doris Uzoka-Anite hailed Air Peace’s achievement as a testament to Nigerian ingenuity and determination.
She underscored the economic ramifications of the flight, emphasising its role in fostering trade, investment, and bilateral ties between Nigeria and the UK.
Highlighting Air Peace’s impeccable safety record, she urged prospective passengers to embrace the airline as a symbol of national pride and reliability.
“Nigeria has needed a local airline flying directly to the UK for a number of years. Air Peace proudly wears the badge of ‘Made in Nigeria.’ It is a symbol of our collective effort to showcase our capabilities to the world. From the skilled hands that maintain the aircraft to the warm smiles of the cabin crew, every aspect of Air Peace reflects the spirit of our nation.
“Let us reflect on the economic impact of this flight. Air Peace’s presence in London is not merely about arrivals and departures; it is about trade, investment, and collaboration. By choosing Air Peace, you choose to invest in Nigeria. You choose to empower local businesses, create jobs, and strengthen our economy.
“In December 2023, the UK exported £185 million to Nigeria and imported £154 million, resulting in a negative trade balance of £30.8 million. This is a trend we wish to change in Nigeria’s favour and an additional trade route is a major step in the right direction,” she said.
Similarly, Capt. Chris Najomo stressed the imperative for governmental support, advocating for policies such as the Fly Nigeria Act to bolster indigenous airlines’ competitiveness on international stages.
With assurances of regulatory backing from the NCAA, Air Peace embarks on its London venture, symbolising a landmark chapter in Nigeria’s aviation narrative and signaling renewed optimism for its travel industry.
