Air Peace Set to Launch UK Services via Wet-Lease Agreement with Norse Atlantic

Air Peace, Nigeria’s leading airline, is poised to commence its eagerly anticipated direct flights to the United Kingdom on March 30, 2024. This milestone will be achieved through a strategic wet-lease partnership with Norse Atlantic (United Kingdom), which will operate four weekly flights from London Gatwick to Lagos utilizing its state-of-the-art B787-9 aircraft. This initial two-month agreement, with the potential for extension, marks Air Peace’s debut into the European market and establishes the airline as the sole Nigerian carrier directly connecting Nigeria with the UK.

British Airways and Virgin Atlantic currently offer daily services between London Heathrow and Lagos, with British Airways also connecting Heathrow with Abuja. However, Air Peace’s entry into this route through Gatwick, facilitated by Norse Atlantic Airways’ slots, introduces a new option for travelers and underscores the airline’s expansion ambitions.

Air Peace’s Chairman, Allen Onyema, expressed the airline’s flexibility in choosing Gatwick as its UK base, despite initial aspirations for Heathrow slots. Onyema’s comments highlight the challenges faced in securing desirable slots but also reflect a strategic adaptation to leverage Gatwick’s potential benefits. This decision, driven partly by alleged protectionist barriers to Heathrow, showcases Air Peace’s resilience and commitment to expanding its international footprint.

Norse Atlantic, known for its long-haul low-cost operations, will use its British AOC and Norwegian-registered B787-9s to support this new service. This collaboration not only facilitates Air Peace’s UK launch but also opens discussions for a longer-term partnership that could further accelerate the Nigerian airline’s global reach.

Air Peace’s diverse fleet, comprising Boeing 737s, 777s, Embraer E-Jets, and wet-leased aircraft, supports its extensive network. The airline’s venture into the UK market addresses a significant demand for direct flights, evidenced by over 46.8% of passengers traveling between Nigeria and London in 2023 using indirect routes.

This new service by Air Peace, in partnership with Norse Atlantic, promises to enhance connectivity between Nigeria and the UK, offering more travel options and potentially reshaping passenger preferences for direct flights over indirect connections.