BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Air Peace and Ethiopian Airlines have signed an agreement to make travel between Nigeria, other African countries and international destinations easier for passengers.
The agreement, known as a bilateral interline arrangement, will allow passengers to book connecting flights operated by both airlines under a single ticket.
It will also enable passengers to check in their luggage through to their final destinations, where applicable, without having to collect and check in their bags again when changing airlines.
The partnership, announced on Monday, is expected to link Air Peace’s domestic and regional routes with Ethiopian Airlines’ extensive international network across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas.
Under the arrangement, passengers travelling from major Nigerian and West African cities will have easier access to Ethiopian Airlines’ international destinations through its Addis Ababa hub.
Similarly, passengers arriving in Nigeria on Ethiopian Airlines will have more options to connect to different parts of the country and West Africa through Air Peace’s network.
Speaking on the agreement, Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr Mesfin Tasew, said the partnership would improve travel convenience and create more opportunities for passengers across the continent.
“We are delighted to partner with Air Peace, a leading carrier in Nigeria, through this strategic interline agreement.
“This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to enhancing connectivity, improving customer convenience, and supporting the growth of air travel across the African continent.
“By combining our strengths, we are creating more travel opportunities and bringing Africa closer to the world,” he said.
Air Peace Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Allen Onyema, described the agreement as another major step towards improving air travel connections across Africa.
He said combining the airline’s domestic, regional and growing international routes with Ethiopian Airlines’ global network would make travelling in and out of Africa easier.
“This partnership with Ethiopian Airlines represents another significant milestone in our commitment to strengthening Africa’s aviation connectivity and bringing the continent closer together.
“By combining Air Peace’s extensive domestic, regional network, and our growing international network with Ethiopian Airlines’ global reach, we are creating greater opportunities for seamless travel in and out of the African continent,” Onyema said.
He added that the partnership would also promote business, trade and cultural exchanges between African countries and the rest of the world.
“Beyond expanding travel options, this collaboration reflects our shared vision of fostering stronger economic, commercial and cultural ties across Africa and beyond.
“At Air Peace, we remain committed to building strategic partnerships that enhance passenger convenience, broaden connectivity and position African aviation as a formidable force in global air transport,” he said.
The airlines said the agreement would support economic growth by making it easier for people, businesses and investors to move across African markets and international destinations.
They also noted that improved air connections would support the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by making it easier for businesses to reach new markets and strengthen commercial relationships.
The partnership is also expected to boost tourism by reducing the difficulties associated with connecting flights and making more destinations accessible to travellers.
Ethiopian Airlines operates passenger and cargo services to more than 160 domestic and international destinations across five continents, while Air Peace is Nigeria’s largest airline, with operations covering domestic, regional and international routes.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
