In a significant stride for Nigerian aviation, Air Peace Airline has marked a historic milestone with its inaugural flight from Lagos, Nigeria, to the United Kingdom. The airline's maiden voyage to the UK capital, London, which commenced on the 30th of March, 2024, signifies a momentous achievement, highlighting Air Peace's commitment to expanding its global reach and solidifying its position as a leading carrier in Africa.
For the first time in seven years, the Nigerian airline’s direct flight operation between Lagos and the UK has set a remarkable precedent in the nation's aviation history. The flight, which departed from Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos and landed at Gatwick Airport in London, represents a pivotal moment not only for Air Peace but also for Nigeria's aviation sector as a whole.
Speaking on the achievement, Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Dr. Allen Onyema, expressed his pride in the achievement, stating, "This is a momentous occasion for Air Peace and for Nigeria as a whole. Our successful inaugural flight to the UK underscores our unwavering commitment to excellence and our determination to contribute to the growth and development of Nigeria's aviation industry”.
The chairman explained that the reason why the airline chose Gatwick Airport to operate its Lagos-London flight was because UK authorities refused to give the airline Heathrow.
Onyema also said that choosing Gatwick is beneficial because many Nigerians live in that part of London and there is less traffic in getting to Central London from Gatwick than from Heathrow.
“Many of our people live down the South-East part of London and there is heavy traffic into Central London from Heathrow, but at Gatwick, they allotted Southern terminal to Air Peace and when you get to the south terminal, you get out of immigration, take your luggage, you walk into the Gatwick express train within three minutes and that will take you to Victoria, right into Central London.
“From the south terminal, you have access to tube, you have access to national rail and you have access to road transport to other parts of the UK. So, Gatwick has turned out to be better for us. That’s why we took Gatwick,” Dr Onyema said.
However, Air Peace staff arrived in London adorned in vibrant Ishiagu attire, traditionally worn in Igbo land showcasing the Nigerian culture. This departure from conventional uniforms sparked a mix of reactions across social media.
The newly established route offers passengers convenient and efficient travel options between Nigeria and the UK, catering to the growing demand for direct flights and bolstering bilateral relations between the two countries. With its modern fleet and adherence to international safety standards, Air Peace aims to provide passengers with unparalleled comfort and reliability on this crucial route.
The impact of Air Peace's attempt into the UK market extends beyond the realm of commercial aviation. It signifies a significant step towards enhancing Nigeria's global connectivity and promoting the country as a favourable destination for investment and tourism. By offering direct flights to key international destinations, Air Peace is poised to stimulate economic growth, facilitate trade relations, and strengthen cultural ties between Nigeria and the rest of the world.
Air Peace remains committed to furthering its expansion efforts and enhancing its service offerings to meet the evolving needs of passengers. With its ambitious vision and unwavering dedication to excellence, Air Peace is poised to continue shaping the future of Nigerian aviation and leaving an indelible mark on the global stage.