BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Air Peace Limited has been formally inducted into the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC), with its Chairman, Dr. Allen Onyema, using the platform to highlight aviation’s role as a catalyst for trade, diplomacy and economic growth between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
The induction ceremony, held on September 25, 2025, at the Chamber’s headquarters in Lagos, attracted business leaders, policymakers, investors, and diplomats. With the theme: “Trade Without Borders: Aviation As A Catalyst For Bilateral Growth Between Nigeria And The UK,” the event highlighted the increasing importance of air connectivity in shaping Nigeria’s future as a global trade hub.
Aviation As Economic Lifeline
Delivering the keynote address titled “Runways to Revenue: Leveraging Aviation to Deepen Nigerian Investment Opportunities,” Onyema emphasised the critical role aviation plays in development.
“Aviation is not a luxury; it is an economic lifeline. It lowers trade costs, attracts investments, boosts tourism, and strengthens people-to-people ties,” he said.
Onyema highlighted Air Peace’s rapid growth from its launch in 2014 to its current position as West and Central Africa’s largest airline, with over 40 aircraft serving more than 20 domestic routes, multiple regional destinations, and long-haul services to London, Jeddah, Johannesburg, and beyond.
He pointed to the airline’s direct Lagos–London Gatwick flights, launched earlier this year, as a turning point for the Nigeria–UK travel market, citing reduced fares and improved travel times. The airline will commence Abuja–London flights in October 2025.
Onyema also referenced Air Peace’s ongoing investment in a world-class Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Lagos, which he said will save Nigeria billions of naira in foreign exchange by reducing the need to send aircraft overseas for servicing.
“This project alone will save Nigeria billions of dollars and create thousands of jobs. It is not just about Air Peace; it is about building capacity for the entire aviation sector,” he noted.
Fidelity Bank’s Early Backing
Onyema used the platform to publicly acknowledge the role of Fidelity Bank in supporting Air Peace at inception, recalling how the bank approved financing for the airline’s first aircraft at a time when other institutions shunned aviation.
“Without the boldness of Fidelity Bank at a time when no Nigerian bank wanted to touch aviation, there might not have been an Air Peace today,” he declared.
He praised then-Managing Director Dr. Nnamdi Okonkwo for taking the risk when the odds were stacked against the airline.
Okonkwo, who now chairs the NBCC Membership Committee, responded by describing Air Peace’s journey as a story of resilience and innovation.
“Air Peace’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and deep faith in Nigeria. Their induction into the Chamber only reinforces the Chamber’s commitment to fostering enterprises that transform bilateral trade,” Okonkwo said.
Industry analysts at the event noted that Onyema’s acknowledgment highlights the importance of strategic financing in the aviation sector, widely regarded as one of the most capital-intensive industries.
Tinubu Administration’s Support
Onyema also credited the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting Nigerian carriers in international markets, particularly during Air Peace’s negotiations to enter the UK route.
He disclosed that the government insisted on reciprocity in bilateral agreements, warning that Nigerian airlines must not be denied rights accorded to foreign carriers.
“President Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation did everything possible to support us. The President even warned that if Air Peace was denied entry rights, there would be consequences. That bold stance made all the difference,” Onyema revealed.
He said such interventions have broken long-standing monopolies and made travel more affordable for Nigerians, pointing out that fares on the Nigeria–UK corridor dropped significantly after Air Peace entered the market.
NBCC President Prince Abimbola Olashore applauded Onyema’s remarks, describing the Tinubu administration’s approach as crucial for promoting fairness and stimulating competition in the sector.
Praise For British Diplomacy
While celebrating the Nigerian government’s role, Onyema also commended the British authorities for their cooperation, singling out Mr. Johnny Baxter, British Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, for his pivotal role in smoothing the airline’s entry into the UK.
“Johnny Baxter is a diplomat par excellence whose unwavering support has ensured seamless connectivity for Air Peace in the UK,” Onyema said.
He cautioned against narratives suggesting that London flights were achieved solely through Nigerian pressure, stressing that both governments had worked together to make them possible.
“Our London flights are not just about moving passengers but about moving hope, the hope of a continent determined to trade fairly, travel freely, and prosper fully,” he added.
Since launching its London service, Air Peace has disrupted the market with competitive fares, improved seat availability, and enhanced travel experiences. The Abuja–London route, starting in October, is expected to deepen that impact.
NBCC’s Endorsement
Air Peace’s induction into the NBCC was described as both symbolic and strategic. Chamber President Olashore lauded the airline for redefining Nigeria’s trade links with the UK.
“Air Peace is challenging the status quo in global aviation and redefining Nigeria’s trade links with the UK. Its induction into the Chamber is both timely and significant for expanding mutual prosperity,” he said.
He added that aviation has a multiplier effect across industries, from hospitality and tourism to agriculture and manufacturing, making Air Peace’s entry into the Chamber particularly important for trade promotion.
Supporting National Service
Air Peace has built its reputation not only through expansion but also through acts of national service. Over the years, the airline has carried out evacuation missions in South Africa, Ukraine, and Sudan, often at its own expense, to rescue stranded Nigerians during crises.
Such actions, analysts note, have reinforced its status as Nigeria’s de facto flag carrier, despite being privately owned.
“Our operations are not just about profit. They are about projecting Nigeria’s pride, protecting our citizens, and connecting our people with the world,” Onyema reminded the audience.
Redesigning Africa’s Aviation Map
Since its maiden flight in 2014, Air Peace has steadily expanded its footprint across Africa and beyond.
With a mix of Boeing 777s and Embraer 195-E2 aircraft, the airline operates the most extensive network in West and Central Africa.
Onyema revealed that Air Peace is preparing for more intercontinental services, including direct flights to Brazil, which will cut travel time to South America from days to just seven hours compared to connecting flights through Europe or the Middle East.
The planned MRO facility in Lagos will further strengthen Nigeria’s position as an aviation hub by reducing dependence on foreign technical services and creating a pool of skilled jobs locally.
Future
Closing the induction ceremony, NBCC Membership Committee Chairman Dr. Nnamdi Okonkwo reaffirmed the Chamber’s confidence in Air Peace’s trajectory.
“Air Peace has proven that indigenous enterprises can compete globally with courage, innovation, and integrity. Its presence in the Chamber will open fresh avenues for collaboration between Nigerian and British businesses,” he said.
For Onyema, the induction was not just recognition but a call to action.
He stressed that Air Peace would continue to invest in infrastructure, expand its global routes, and uphold its role as a symbol of national ambition.
“The success of this airline belongs to those who stood with us in our early days, to the government that backs us today, and to the passengers who continue to trust us. We will never take that trust for granted,” he concluded.
Air Peace’s induction into the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce was more than a ceremonial milestone.
It was an affirmation of aviation’s centrality to Nigeria’s economic ambitions and a celebration of the partnerships, financial, diplomatic, and governmental, that have powered the airline’s rise.
By leveraging bold financing, government backing, and international cooperation, Air Peace has positioned itself not just as a commercial airline but as a bridge-builder between nations, economies and people.
