Air Peace Secures Green Light for UK Flights Following Regulatory Approval

Nigeria’s leading carrier, Air Peace, has achieved a significant milestone by obtaining the necessary permits from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to commence flights to the United Kingdom. While the airline has yet to announce a specific launch date, the approval from the UK CAA marks a crucial step in expanding Air Peace’s international reach.

A spokesperson from the UK CAA officially confirmed that Air Peace has been granted both its foreign carrier operator permit and its third-country operator permit. Chairman and CEO Allen Onyema shared insights into the rigorous process, stating, “Before you obtain these approvals, they will audit you very well. We obtained the permit last week.”

Notably, Onyema has emphasized the airline’s interest in securing access to London Heathrow, the primary airport in the UK. This move aligns with the principles of reciprocity outlined in the 1988 bilateral air service agreement between Nigeria and the UK. The agreement allows designated Nigerian carriers to fly to London (without specifying an airport) and Manchester International, while designated British carriers can operate flights to Abuja and Lagos.

Air Peace, celebrating its ninth anniversary, has been actively expanding its international routes. On November 1, the airline successfully launched direct flights to Jeddah in Saudi Arabia from both Lagos and Kano, marking its ninth international destination. The carrier’s current international network includes Antigua (Antigua & Barbuda), Mumbai International (India), Johannesburg O.R. Tambo (South Africa), Accra (Ghana), Banjul (Gambia), Dakar Blaise Diagne International (Senegal), Douala (Cameroon), Freetown (Sierra Leone), and Lomé (Togo).

The diverse fleet of Air Peace comprises fifteen aircraft, featuring B737-300s, B737-500s, B777-300s, EMB-145LRs, EMB-145MPs, and E195-E2s. Additionally, the airline has strategically engaged in wet-leasing arrangements, including two B737-700s from Eznis Airways in Mongolia and two A320-200s from SmartLynx Airlines Malta. As Air Peace prepares to venture into the UK market, the carrier’s proactive approach to international expansion continues to shape its position in the global aviation landscape.