Air Peace Successfully Obtains UK Operations Permit 

By Adeke Chukwuka

Air Peace Nigeria Limited’s Chairman and CEO, Allen Onyema, announced the airline’s successful acquisition of the Foreign Carrier Operator Permit and the Third Country Operator Permit.

After rigorous audits, Air Peace now meets stringent safety standards, enabling the airline to operate flights to Europe and the United Kingdom. Onyema confirmed the permits in a recent press statement, highlighting the thorough audit process that Air Peace passed to obtain these qualifications.

Contrary to what the industry believes, Onyema highlighted the significant capacity of Nigerian airlines, citing Air Peace’s significant aircraft orders, which consist of 33 firm orders and 17 purchase rights, for a total of 50 new planes.

The orders comprise Boeing 737 MAX 8 and MAX 10, as well as Embraer E195-E2 and E175 models. He also noted that Ibom Air and Overland Airways have placed substantial orders, indicating the industry’s robust growth.

Onyema highlighted the crucial role of government support for local airlines, emphasizing their significant contribution to job creation, economic development, and the nation’s GDP. He stated that he employment opportunities created by a single Nigerian airline surpass those offered by all foreign airlines in Nigeria. 

Therefore, it’s essential for the federal government to prioritize supporting Nigerian airlines. Onyema also pointed out the challenges faced by domestic airlines in Nigeria, citing the lack of transit facilities at the country’s international airports as a major obstacle.

Onyema expressed gratitude to Nigerians and the federal government for Air Peace’s success as it celebrated its ninth anniversary last week.

He emphasized that the absence of transit facilities at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, has diminished the competitiveness of Nigerian airlines. 

Onyema highlighted Air Peace’s extensive network in West and Central Africa, allowing it to connect passengers from cities such as Douala, Banjul, Accra, Lome, Monrovia, Dakar, and Freetown to its hub in Lagos.