As Air Peace celebrates 11 years of remarkable achievements, the future, no doubt, looks brighter. Plans are already underway to expand to new destinations, including the United States and additional European routes, while deepening its domestic coverage and fleet modernization.
By Azuh Arinze
When Air Peace took to the skies in 2014, few could have predicted how quickly the airline would redefine Nigeria and West Africa’s aviation industry. Eleven years later, the brainchild of visionary entrepreneur – Dr. Allen Ifechukwu Onyema – has evolved into Nigeria and West Africa’s largest and most successful airline, setting benchmarks in safety, service, expansion, and national pride.
From inception, Air Peace was founded on a simple but powerful philosophy – to unite Nigeria and West Africa through air connectivity while providing safe, affordable, and reliable flights. Driven by Dr. Onyema’s passion for nation-building and empowerment, the airline began operations with just seven aircraft, including Boeing 737s and Dornier jets, serving key Nigerian cities.
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Within a short time, Air Peace became synonymous with excellence, consistency, and resilience, offering Nigerians what had long seemed out of reach – world-class air travel run by Nigerians, for Nigerians and West Africans.
In 11 years, Air Peace has achieved what many airlines could only dream of. Its fleet has grown to over 30 aircraft, including the modern Boeing 777, Embraer 195-E2, and Airbus 320, making it one of the most diversified fleets in Africa.
From its Lagos hub, the airline now operates over 20 domestic destinations, linking every major region of Nigeria. On the international front, Air Peace has proudly flown the nation’s flag to Ghana, South Africa, India, China, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia, among others.
The airline’s long-haul operations, powered by the Boeing 777 fleet, have also positioned Nigeria as a major player in global aviation once again.
Air Peace’s story cannot be told without highlighting its humanitarian heart. Time and again, the airline has stepped up to serve national and humanitarian causes – often without financial gain or reward.
Notably, during the 2019 xenophobic attacks in South Africa, Air Peace volunteered to evacuate over 600 stranded Nigerians free of charge, earning global acclaim and gratitude. Similarly, during crises in Sudan and other conflict zones, the airline played a vital role in repatriating stranded citizens.
Such acts have earned Dr. Onyema and Air Peace international recognition as a beacon of compassion and patriotism.
In 2024, Air Peace made history by becoming the first Nigerian airline to operate direct flights to London Gatwick, ending decades of dependence on foreign carriers for transcontinental travel. The move not only boosted Nigeria’s image globally but also reduced flight costs for travelers while creating new opportunities in tourism and trade.
Furthermore, the airline’s acquisition of state-of-the-art Embraer E195-E2 jets, known for fuel efficiency and comfort, underscores its commitment to sustainability and modernization.
Air Peace’s impact, by the way, extends beyond aviation. The airline is one of Nigeria’s largest private-sector employers, with over 5,000 direct and indirect employees, ranging from pilots and engineers to ground staff and administrative workers.
This deliberate investment in Nigerian talent has made Air Peace not only a successful airline but also a powerful vehicle for national development and youth empowerment.
Like every great enterprise, Air Peace has weathered storms – from economic downturns and fluctuating fuel prices to regulatory hurdles and global pandemics. Yet, through innovation, strategic planning, and sheer resilience, the airline has consistently adapted and emerged stronger.
Its leadership’s ability to turn challenges into opportunities has further solidified Air Peace’s reputation as a model of Nigerian entrepreneurship and tenacity.
Over the years, Air Peace has also been decorated with numerous awards for excellence, safety, and service, both locally and internationally. It continues to earn the trust of millions of passengers, government agencies, and aviation professionals across the continent.
As Air Peace celebrates 11 years of remarkable achievements, the future, no doubt, looks brighter. Plans are already underway to expand to new destinations, including the United States and additional European routes, while deepening its domestic coverage and fleet modernization.
Indeed, Air Peace’s 11-year journey is a story of vision, courage, and commitment – proof that with determination, innovation, and integrity, a Nigerian company can soar to global heights.
From connecting cities to connecting continents, from serving passengers to serving humanity, Air Peace stands today not just as an airline, but as a symbol of hope, excellence, and national pride.
As the airline looks forward to the next decade, one thing is certain – the sky is only the beginning.
Azuh Arinze is the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine and author of important books like The CEO’s Bible 1 and 2, Success Is Not Served A La Carte, Anything and Everything Journalism, Conversations With Showbiz Stars, Encounters: Lessons From My Journalism Career, My Story of Many Colours, etc
