BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Air Peace has set the stage for its highly anticipated Abuja–London operations with a high-level Travel Partner Forum at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.
The sessions, held Monday, form part of preparations for the dual launch of flights from Abuja to London’s Heathrow and Gatwick airports, scheduled for October 26 and 28, 2025.
The event brought together the airline’s leading travel agents, executives of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA), and representatives of global travel technology giants Amadeus and Sabre.
Their presence underscored the growing strategic importance of Air Peace’s expansion and the carrier’s drive to deepen collaboration with key industry stakeholders.
Air Peace Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Nowel Ngala, delivered a detailed brand and route presentation that highlighted the London market’s significance and the pivotal role of travel partners in securing success.
Data-driven insights and an interactive Q&A session allowed participants to explore opportunities, sales optimization strategies, and collaborative approaches to push Nigeria further onto the global aviation map.
Chairman of Air Peace, Dr. Allen Onyema, used the platform to salute the travel trade community for its unwavering support, particularly since the airline’s historic Lagos–London Gatwick service in March 2024.
“Beyond offering Nigerians world-class travel choices, Air Peace is deliberately creating employment through initiatives like our Graduate Trainee Programme, which has already opened doors for thousands of young Nigerians across diverse disciplines,” Onyema said.
“We are committed to building a steady pipeline of skilled manpower and empowering the next generation to contribute to Nigeria’s growth story.”
He stressed that the Abuja–London expansion was fueled by confidence in the airline’s partnerships.
To reward loyalty, Onyema announced that select agents would receive complimentary seats on the inaugural service as well as discounted fares during the introductory period.
“Our Abuja brothers and sisters will not only experience this service firsthand but also benefit from massive discounts designed to make the route accessible and sustainable,” he added.
NANTA President, Mr. Yinka Folami, applauded Air Peace for its resilience, operational consistency, and bold investments.
He described the ongoing Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility under construction in Lagos as “a game-changer for Nigeria and Africa” and pledged the association’s full backing. “Air Peace is a national project, and we will continue to stand behind it,” Folami declared.
Executives from Amadeus and Sabre also lent their weight to the new service, pointing out that the integration of Air Peace into their global distribution systems—covering over 160 countries and 55,000 agencies—would boost accessibility and drive bookings worldwide.
The Abuja–London routes, complementing the existing Lagos–Gatwick service, represent another bold step in Air Peace’s international expansion.
Beyond easing travel for Nigerians, the flights are expected to stimulate tourism, strengthen bilateral ties, create jobs, and encourage cultural exchange between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
With this milestone, Air Peace says it is determined to cement its place as West Africa’s aviation leader, championing connectivity, economic growth, and a proudly Nigerian brand of hospitality on the world stage.
