BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Air Peace has taken delivery of its first brand-new Embraer E175 aircraft, further expanding its fleet and strengthening its capacity to serve domestic, regional and international routes.
The aircraft, an 88-seat Embraer E175 with Nigerian registration 5N-CGH, arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, at 8:32 p.m. on Tuesday after a successful ferry flight from Brazil, where it was formally handed over to the airline by aircraft manufacturer, Embraer.
The latest acquisition marks another milestone in Air Peace’s fleet renewal programme and reinforces the carrier’s strategy of operating a younger, fuel-efficient fleet to improve operational efficiency, passenger comfort and route connectivity across Nigeria, West Africa, Central Africa and other international destinations.
Designed for short- and medium-haul operations, the new aircraft features 88 seats in a two-by-two configuration, eliminating middle seats to provide every passenger with either a window or aisle seat.
It is equipped with leather seats, expanded overhead luggage compartments, larger cabin windows and improved cabin noise reduction, offering passengers greater comfort throughout their journey.
Beyond passenger convenience, the Embraer E175 is also recognised for its fuel efficiency and lower carbon emissions, supporting Air Peace’s sustainability goals while reducing operating costs.
Speaking on the arrival of the aircraft, Air Peace spokesperson, Efe Osifo-Whiskey, described the development as another significant step in the airline’s long-term growth strategy.
“The arrival of our brand-new Embraer E175 represents far more than the addition of another aircraft to our fleet. It reflects Air Peace’s unwavering commitment to continuous investment in modern aviation assets that improve operational efficiency, strengthen route connectivity, and elevate the overall travel experience for our passengers,” he said.
According to him, the aircraft is well suited for the airline’s expanding domestic and regional operations and will enhance service delivery across its network.
“The Embraer E175 is ideally suited for our domestic and regional operations, offering the flexibility to efficiently serve existing routes while opening new markets with optimal capacity. For our passengers, this means greater schedule reliability, increased flight frequencies, enhanced onboard comfort, and the premium travel experience they have come to expect from Air Peace,” Osifo-Whiskey stated.
He added that the airline remains committed to expanding its footprint across Africa and beyond.
“As we continue to expand our network across Nigeria, West Africa, Central Africa, and other international destinations, this aircraft further positions us to respond to growing passenger demand while contributing meaningfully to economic development, regional integration, tourism, and intra-African connectivity,” he said.
Industry observers say the addition of the Embraer E175 further strengthens Air Peace’s position as one of Africa’s fastest-growing carriers, particularly as it continues to invest in modern aircraft to support its expansion drive.
The airline has, in recent years, steadily increased its fleet size and route network, launching new domestic, regional and long-haul international services as part of its ambition to make Nigeria a major aviation hub on the continent.
With the arrival of the new Embraer E175, Air Peace said it remains focused on delivering safe, reliable and affordable air transport while raising service standards and improving connectivity for passengers across its growing network.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
