Air Peace recently inaugurated its Lagos-London flight services, marking a significant milestone for Nigerian aviation. This comes a month after the airline announced its plans to commence direct flights to London during a prelaunch forum held in February. The successful launch follows Air Peace’s acquisition of the necessary permits, including the Foreign Carrier Operator Permit and Third Country Operator Permit, enabling it to operate flights to Europe and the United Kingdom.
The commencement of the Lagos-London service was celebrated by Air Peace on its social media platforms, expressing gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the launch. Notable figures such as the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anita, were present at the inaugural flight, underscoring the significance of this achievement.
This development marks the first time in seven years that a Nigerian airline has reactivated the Lagos to London route, providing a welcome relief to Nigerians. The resumption of flights by an indigenous carrier to this lucrative route holds promise for the Nigerian aviation industry, offering an alternative to foreign carriers and potentially reducing airfares.
Reflecting on the historical context, stakeholders noted previous attempts by indigenous carriers to operate on the Lagos-London route, with varying degrees of success. Virgin Nigeria and Arik Air were among the carriers that previously operated on the route before facing challenges that led to the discontinuation of services. The re-entry of Air Peace into this market underscores the airline’s commitment to providing reliable and affordable air travel options for Nigerians.
As Air Peace embarks on this new venture, stakeholders emphasized the importance of operational excellence and consistency in delivering high-quality service. They highlighted the need for Air Peace to uphold international standards across all aspects of its operations, from inflight service to organizational management. Additionally, stakeholders emphasized the role of government support in enabling indigenous airlines to succeed on international routes, calling for policies that promote the growth of the Nigerian aviation industry.
The successful inaugural flight to London represents a significant achievement for Air Peace and a step forward for Nigerian aviation. As the airline continues to expand its international presence, stakeholders remain optimistic about its ability to sustain operations on the Lagos-London route and contribute to the growth and development of the Nigerian aviation sector.