Deborah Akinyosoye
Nigerian carrier Air Peace on Friday, August 22, took delivery of its fourth Boeing 777-200ER, reinforcing its capacity for long-haul operations and expanding affordable travel options for Nigerians.
The aircraft, registered 5N-CEG, landed at 3:32 p.m. at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport after a ferry flight from Teruel, Spain. It was welcomed with the traditional water-cannon salute before senior executives of the airline.
Present at the reception were Air Peace Chairman, Dr. Allen Onyema, Executive Director, Obinna Onyema, and Chief Operating Officer, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Olajide. Addressing reporters, Dr. Onyema described the acquisition as a deliberate move to ease access to international travel for Nigerians.
“Foreign airlines have taken advantage of Nigerians for too long with exorbitant fares. Air Peace is here to give our people relief by offering competitive pricing and quality service,” Onyema said.
The aircraft seats 312 passengers, split between 26 Business Class and 286 Economy Class seats. According to the airline, the Business Class cabin features full-flat seating and enhanced in-flight entertainment, while Economy Class passengers can expect improved legroom and service standards.
Air Peace plans to deploy the aircraft on new routes in the coming weeks, beginning with direct flights from Abuja to London’s Heathrow and Gatwick airports. The airline will also introduce flights to São Paulo, Brazil, and expand services to the Caribbean, including Antigua and Barbuda and St. Kitts and Nevis.
Onyema said the additional Boeing 777 is integral to the airline’s strategy to build a wider global footprint.
“We are working to connect Nigeria directly to more international destinations across Europe, South America, and the Caribbean. This is part of our contribution to placing Nigeria on the global aviation map,” he stated.
The federal government’s role in supporting indigenous carriers was also acknowledged. Onyema thanked President Bola Tinubu for what he described as a “supportive policy direction” for local airlines, and praised Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister Senator Festus Keyamo for advancing reforms.
“These policies have provided the environment for Nigerian airlines to grow and compete favourably with foreign carriers,” Onyema noted.
The acquisition underscores Air Peace’s bid to strengthen its position as Nigeria’s largest airline by fleet size and route network, while pushing back against the dominance of foreign carriers in the Nigerian market.