Air Peace Sets Sights on London, Brazil, and Caribbean With New Boeing 777 Arrival
The arrival of Air Peace’s fourth Boeing 777-200ER at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport signals a defining moment for Nigeria’s largest airline as it accelerates its international expansion. The latest addition to the fleet, registered as 5N-CEG, touched down on Friday, August 22, 2025, to a festive water-cannon salute, drawing applause from dignitaries and aviation professionals alike. This milestone not only underscores Air Peace’s ambition to serve as a pivotal link between West Africa and the world but also marks a determined push to reshape access and affordability for intercontinental travel from the region.
Chairman Dr. Allen Onyema, flanked by Executive Director Obinna Onyema, Chief Operating Officer Mrs. Oluwatoyin Olajide, and the broader management team, led the welcoming ceremony. In his remarks, Dr. Onyema reaffirmed Air Peace’s commitment to providing Nigerians with fair and affordable international fares—a direct challenge to the historically high costs imposed by foreign carriers operating in the country. He stressed the necessity of creating an efficient hub system in Nigeria to not only enhance international reach but also improve domestic and regional connectivity, which are crucial steps for the sector’s sustainable development.
Air Peace’s latest investment in a wide-body, long-haul aircraft is a clear signal to the African aviation industry: indigenous carriers are ready to compete vigorously on international routes. The newly acquired Boeing 777-200ER, boasting 26 business class seats and 286 economy class seats, is configured for both comfort and operational efficiency. Business travelers will benefit from private, ambient seating and advanced inflight amenities, while economy passengers can expect enhanced legroom and refined service—features designed to meet the expectations of a global clientele and draw loyalty from African travelers accustomed to international standards.
According to spokesperson Efe Osifo-Whiskey, the aircraft’s arrival is in perfect alignment with Air Peace’s vision of global connectivity. The airline is set to deploy this state-of-the-art aircraft within the next two months for inaugural long-haul flights from Abuja to both London Heathrow and Gatwick. These connections are poised to transform travel options for Nigerian and West African passengers by reducing the reliance on foreign carriers and offering more competitive options in terms of schedule and pricing.
Beyond London, Air Peace is actively charting new routes to several key European cities, and—for the first time in the region’s history—direct services to South America, notably São Paulo, Brazil. The airline is also building on its landmark operations into the Caribbean, with direct links to Antigua and Barbuda and St. Kitts and Nevis. These expansions are timely, coming at a period when African outbound travel demand is rising, and the region’s burgeoning middle class seeks greater access to global markets, business hubs, and leisure destinations. The expected launch of these routes is set to foster increased trade and tourism flows between Africa and the rest of the world, supporting economic growth and cross-cultural exchange.
Dr. Onyema highlighted that these strategic moves are about more than just profit—they represent a “pivotal milestone” in the airline’s growth trajectory and a decisive step in its broader expansion strategy. By deploying wide-body aircraft capable of long-haul operations, Air Peace is positioning itself as a genuine alternative for intercontinental journeys, a move that will keep more travel spending within Africa and help drive the development of the continent’s aviation infrastructure.
Instrumental to this growth has been the support of Nigeria’s leadership. Dr. Onyema expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for fostering an enabling environment through supportive aviation policies. He also commended the efforts of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Senator Festus Keyamo, for introducing inclusive measures that help indigenous airlines like Air Peace compete effectively on the world stage. Such policies are crucial, given the highly competitive nature of international aviation and the need for African carriers to overcome entrenched barriers to market entry.
The significance of developing a robust Nigerian hub cannot be overstated. A well-functioning hub at Lagos or Abuja would facilitate smoother connections for passengers from across West and Central Africa, making it easier for travelers to access not only Europe and the Americas but also intra-African destinations. This vision reflects long-standing industry calls for African airlines to collaborate and consolidate, creating networks that can rival those of their international counterparts and offer seamless travel experiences for customers on the continent.
For professionals in Africa’s travel sector, Air Peace’s latest expansion offers new business opportunities and challenges. As direct, affordable flights become available to a broader array of global destinations, tour operators, hotel partners, and service providers will need to rethink their strategies and offerings to capture the attention of a more internationally mobile clientele. Adapting to changing traveler expectations—especially regarding comfort, convenience, and price—will be critical for those looking to capitalize on the airline’s growing network.
This moment of transformation for Air Peace also highlights the broader shifts underway in African aviation. Indigenous carriers are increasingly investing in modern fleets, building alliances, and developing routes that reflect the continent’s dynamism and potential. For the travel trade, these developments underscore the importance of agility, collaboration, and innovation in meeting the needs of the next generation of African travelers, who will demand both quality and value as they explore the world from a uniquely African perspective.
