BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Following its historic relaunch of direct flights between Nigeria and London Heathrow Airport yesterday, the Executive Director, International Operations, of Air Peace, Nnenna Onyema, has described the flag carrier’s latest operation as a “symbol of national pride and resilience”.
Air Peace launched direct flights between London Heathrow Airport and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, a lucrative and strategic route very dear to Nigerians.
This comes after a decade of desolation as the last Nigerian airline to hoist the Nigerian flag on one of the world’s busiest air corridors was Arik Air.
At the inauguration ceremony organised by London Heathrow Airport authorities to welcome the first flight, Nnenna said the new route marks a renewed declaration of Nigeria’s presence in global aviation.
She said: “For years, there was silence in the skies. Today, that silence ends. Our flag flies again because, as we say back home, ‘Naija no dey carry last.”
The executive director highlighted that Air Peace, under the leadership of its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, has grown impressively in just 11 years of operations.
With a fleet of more than 30 aircraft, the company is now the biggest privately owned carrier in West and Central Africa and the first Nigerian airline to acquire and register a Boeing 777,a clear indicator of our intent and commitment to operate on the global stage.
Since 2016, Air Peace has also maintained its International Air Transport Association Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification, underscoring its adherence to global safety standards.
The launch of the London–Abuja route, will enhance accessibility, affordability, and connectivity for the Nigerian and wider African diaspora.
Through Air Peace’s extensive network, passengers can travel beyond Abuja to destinations across West Africa, the network enables onward connectivity from Ghana, The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Senegal.
Air Peace credited the Nigerian government for its support of indigenous airlines, extending appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for policies that have promoted ease of doing business within the aviation sector.
The airline also expressed gratitude to the management of London Heathrow Airport and its project team for their collaboration in facilitating the flight’s successful launch.
“This new operation is a seed of hope,” the company affirmed. “It marks the rebirth of Nigeria’s aviation strength and a future where our nation connects seamlessly with the world — stronger, prouder, and ready to compete globally.”
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
