Air Peace: Success Story of Resilience Amid Challenges in Nigeria’s Aviation Industry

Air Peace has become a defining force in Nigeria’s aviation sector, embodying resilience, vision, and service beyond profit. Since its establishment in 2013, the airline has grown into the largest carrier in Nigeria and West Africa, connecting cities across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. Its upcoming Abuja–London Heathrow and Abuja–London Gatwick routes, scheduled to begin on October 26 and 28, 2025, underscore its international ambition.

Chairman Dr. Allen Onyema explained that the airline’s guiding philosophy is rooted in safety and service to humanity rather than mere profit. He admitted to having a personal phobia for flying and a deep aversion to accidents, stressing that he would rather delay or cancel flights than compromise safety. “No airline benefits from delays,” he said, noting that weather disruptions or technical issues in one flight inevitably cascade across schedules, incurring heavy costs for the company.

Beyond commercial success, Air Peace has stood out for its social impact. The airline has evacuated stranded Nigerians during crises in South Africa, Sudan, and the COVID-19 pandemic—often at little or no cost. It recently announced a Graduate Trainee Programme to create 1,000 jobs for young Nigerians, and in partnership with aircraft manufacturer Embraer, it plans to build a ₦32 billion Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Lagos. The project, expected to create over 50,000 jobs, will eliminate the need for Nigerian carriers to ferry aircraft abroad for maintenance.

Air Peace’s role as a symbol of national pride contrasts with criticisms from some quarters. Recently, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) came under fire for the handling of a July 13, 2025, runway excursion incident involving an Air Peace flight in Port Harcourt. Tests on the crew were delayed, conducted outside recommended specialist facilities, and their results leaked to the media without proper communication to the airline. Both the co-pilot and a cabin crew member challenged the NSIB’s findings, with subsequent confirmatory tests clearing them and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority reinstating them.

Onyema insists the airline remains committed to global best practices, adding that the symbolism behind the name “Air Peace” reflects its mission: to bring dignity, safety, and hope to air travel in Nigeria and beyond.

In an industry where regulatory precision is crucial, stakeholders argue that Air Peace deserves recognition not just for its business achievements, but for consistently going “beyond the Dollar and Naira” to serve humanity and inspire national pride.

Opinion Nigeria News