The Sunday’s inaugural flight from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), Abuja, to Heathrow London Airport has been described as a symbol of national pride and resilience for Nigeria.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony organised by the London Heathrow Airport authorities to welcome Air Peace’s first flight, the airline’s Executive Director, International Operations, Nnenna Onyema, said the route would enhance accessibility, affordability and connectivity for the Nigerian and wider African diaspora.
She stated that, through Air Peace‘s extensive network, passengers could travel beyond Abuja to destinations across West Africa, thereby enabling onwards connectivity from Ghana, The Gambia, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Senegal.
Miss Onyema, in her speech at the ceremony, expressed that the flight represented more than just a new route but a renewed declaration of Nigeria’s presence in global aviation.
“For years, there was silence in the skies. Today, that silence ends. Our flag flies again because, as we say back home, ‘Naija no dey carry last,’” she said.
She explained that Air Peace, under the leadership of its Chairman, Dr. Allen Onyema, had grown impressively in just 11 years of operations, stressing that with a fleet of more than 30 aircraft, the company had emerged as the biggest privately-owned carrier in West and Central Africa.
Miss Onyema added that the airline had also maintained its International Air Transport Association Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification, underscoring its adherence to global safety standards.
The Executive Director of Air Peace also lauded the Nigerian government for its support for indigenous airlines, specifically mentioning President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for formulating policies that have promoted ease of doing business in the aviation sector.
She further lauded the management of London Heathrow Airport and its project team for their collaboration in facilitating the flight’s successful launch.
She maintained that the new operation marked the rebirth of Nigeria’s aviation strength and a future where the country connects seamlessly with the world.
The Guardian reported that Keyamo reiterated the government’s support for private operators not just in the industry but in the country.
He said, “If you destroy the private sector in your country, you destroy the country. Every good economy thrives on the wealth and well-being of the private sector, the greatest employer of labour and engine of growth. We have done all we can within our powers to give our local operators the muscle and leverage for fair competition.”
