*As Airline begins flight to, from London
From Suleiman Amagbor, Lagos
The duo of Festus Keyamo and Doris Uzoka-Anite, both Ministers of Aviation and Aerospace Development and Industry, Trade and Investment respectively have called on government officials and Nigerians to fly the country’s leading indigenous airline, Air Peace Airline to and from London in order to build the country’s local brands on the global stage.
This advisory came following the airline’s much anticipated inaugural flight from Lagos to London on Saturday, March 30, 2024, with a high figure of 260 passengers, marking the resumption of flight service since 2019 by an indigenous carrier to one of the most lucrative routes from Nigeria.
The airline, which operated a 274-seat capacity Boeing 777 for the maiden flight, held a brief ceremony at the new terminal at the International wing of the Murtala Mohammed Airport in Lagos Airport to celebrate the occasion.
An elated Keyamo affirmed that the voyage is the result of the hard work and commitment he and others in government had made to pave the way for the airline to begin operations to London, and promised that the federal government would continue to protect the airline and other Nigerian carriers that might want to operate international service.
He said the commencement of direct Lagos-London route by Air Peace would ease the pressure on the Naira, while the demand for foreign exchange by Nigerians and foreign airlines would reduce.
Keyamo explained that the start of the route by the airline had also compelled some mega carriers on the Lagos-London route to drop fares and assured of government support.
On her part, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite described the feat by the airline as the convergence of innovation, determination, and the unwavering commitment to excellence.
Doris said “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.
She said the choice of Nigerians to fly with Air Peace is a vote of confidence, adding that the airline has a commendable safety record, holding a 7 out of 7 safety rating according to Airline Ratings and has successfully undergone the International Air Transport Association Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification four times, signifying its commitment to rigorous safety standards.
“So I entreat all potential passengers to trust them to carry you safely across continents, and remember that you are part of a movement—a movement that encourages Nigerians to patronize their own. Let us be ambassadors in the skies, sharing stories of our rich heritage, our vibrant culture, and the warmth that defines us,” Uzoka-Anite added.
Acting Director-General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCCA) Capt. Chris Najomo affirmed that for indigenous airlines to succeed on any international routes, it is necessary for the governments to adopt the Fly Nigeria Act for public officials.
Najomo promised that the apex regulatory body would support Air Peace and other indigenous airlines to succeed on international routes unlike in the past.
Some passengers on the Air Peace flight said the flight was long awaited and it signaled a new dawn in the travel industry in Nigeria, adding that Air Peace is a Nigerian project and Nigerians should be commended for making this possible.
“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 its flight to London. This is good for air travel and Nigeria,” Tony Ike, a passenger on the flight said.
Dignitaries at the event included the Chairman and CEO of United Nigeria Airlines, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku and a former Director General of NCAA and Board Member of Air Peace, Engr. Benedict Adeyileka among others.
