One Year Later: Air Peace Impact On Nigeria To UK Air Travel

One Year Later: Air Peace’s Impact On Nigeria-UK Air Travel

Tomorrow marks one year since Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest flag carrier, launched its competitive Lagos-London route, a milestone that has significantly impacted air travel between Nigeria and the UK.

Given that no Nigerian airline had operated this lucrative route for years, the excitement surrounding the launch was palpable. Nigerians, from travelers to travel agents, eagerly rallied behind Air Peace, with the slogan “Fly Air Peace. Fly Nigeria. Fly our own” resonating throughout the country. The airline’s inaugural flight, which carried 260 passengers on a 274-capacity aircraft, was met with overwhelming support, including notable figures such as United Nigeria Airlines founder Obiora Okonkwo, Minister of Aviation Mr. Festus Keyamo, businessman Obi Iyiegbu (Obi Cubana), and former NBA president Olumide Apata. Several Nollywood stars, including Uche Jombo, Chioma Akpotha, Ufuoma McDermott, and Omoni Oboli, were also aboard the maiden flight to London Gatwick….READ MORE….

The London route had previously been served by other Nigerian airlines, such as the now-defunct Virgin Nigeria and Arik Air, but those services ceased due to financial difficulties. Med-View Airlines was the last indigenous carrier to operate on the route, briefly flying there in 2017.

Prior to Air Peace’s entry on March 30, 2024, foreign airlines charged as high as N3 million for a round-trip economy ticket to London. However, Air Peace’s competitive fare of N1.2 million forced international carriers to reduce their prices to an average of N1.4 million, sparking a price adjustment across the market. For example, British Airways dropped its fares from N3 million for economy class to N1.7 million following Air Peace’s launch.

The price adjustment ignited calls for Nigerians to support Air Peace’s success on the route. Benedict Adeyileka, former acting Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), highlighted the historical overcharging by foreign airlines, emphasizing the significance of the price reduction.

Aviation consultant Babafemi Adeniji, however, questioned whether the price shift could be classified as a price war, noting that Air Peace’s initial offer was a strategic move to attract price-sensitive customers, with the ultimate winner in such situations being the carrier with the lowest cost.

One year after its debut, Air Peace has surpassed initial challenges and successfully operated over 662 flights on the Lagos-London route, transporting more than 136,661 passengers. The airline’s service has become a benchmark for excellence, offering competitive fares, exceptional service, and an exclusive travel experience on its Boeing 777 aircraft. Dr. Ejike Ndiulo, Head of Corporate Communications at Air Peace, emphasized that the airline’s success underscores its commitment to expanding Nigeria’s international aviation footprint.

Air Peace has also introduced customer-focused initiatives such as seamless airport transfers, exclusive limousine services through a partnership with SIMPLAA UK, student travel discounts, and premium rewards in collaboration with brands like Samsung.

Ndiulo highlighted that Air Peace’s presence on the Lagos-London route has positively impacted Nigeria’s economy, creating jobs and stimulating tourism and business travel. Additionally, it has reduced reliance on foreign carriers and fostered healthy competition, leading to better services and more affordable fares for travelers.

Air Peace’s Chairman and CEO, Allen Onyema, praised the airline’s achievements on the Lagos-London route, noting that the airline’s continued success reaffirms its vision of making international travel more accessible and affordable for Nigerians.