Air Peace, Nigeria’s leading private airline, marked a significant milestone on Saturday with the commencement of its Lagos-London flight services, signaling a new era of connectivity and economic opportunities between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
The airline, known for its commitment to providing peaceful connectivity across cities, announced the launch of its London service with enthusiasm and gratitude for achieving yet another feat in its mission to enhance air travel accessibility.
Key government officials, including Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, and Doris Uzoka-Anita, Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, graced the occasion, underscoring the importance of this milestone for Nigeria’s aviation sector and bilateral relations with the UK.
The journey to inaugurate direct flight operations from Lagos to Gatwick Airport in London began in November 2023 when Air Peace secured a foreign carrier operator permit (FCOP) to fly into the UK. Despite initial challenges with slot allocation at the destination airport, the airline remained steadfast in its commitment to realizing this goal.
Minister Keyamo, who played a pivotal role in facilitating direct flights from Lagos to London, highlighted the significance of Air Peace’s initiative in easing pressure on Nigeria’s local currency, reducing the demand for foreign exchange, and driving down airfares on the Lagos-London route.
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Uzoka-Anite lauded Air Peace’s milestone as a testament to innovation, determination, and unwavering commitment to excellence, emphasizing the broader economic impact of the new flight route on trade, investment, and collaboration between Nigeria and the UK.
“Nigeria has needed a local airline flying directly to the UK for a number of years. Air Peace proudly wears the badge of ‘Made in Nigeria,’ showcasing our nation’s capabilities to the world,” remarked Uzoka-Anite. “By choosing Air Peace, you choose to invest in Nigeria, empower local businesses, create jobs, and strengthen our economy.”
The inaugural Lagos-London flight represents more than mere arrivals and departures; it symbolizes a strategic step towards enhancing bilateral trade relations and narrowing the trade deficit between Nigeria and the UK. With increased connectivity and accessibility, Air Peace’s entry into the London market promises to foster economic growth, promote tourism, and facilitate closer ties between the two nations.
As Nigeria continues to position itself as a key player in the global aviation industry, Air Peace’s expansion into international markets reinforces the country’s commitment to providing world-class air travel services and driving sustainable economic development.
