At the 29th Annual Conference of the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC), held in Ikeja Lagos, the Chairman and CEO, Air Peace Limited, Dr Allen Onyema and other panelists gathered to reaffirm aviation’s role as a driver of national development. The conference, themed “Aviation Financing in Nigeria: Risks, Opportunities, and Prospects”, served as a pivotal forum for dialogue on unlocking sustainable funding for the sector where Dr Onyema highlighted the persistent challenges of financing in the capital-intensive airline business. While carriers in Europe and North America access loans at around 5% interest, Nigerian operators face far higher rates and steep collateral demands, often involving personal assets, he added.

Dr Onyema speaker stressed that financial discipline and integrity are essential to winning back lender confidence, pointing to past defaults as a reason for banks’ reluctance to support aviation ventures. They urged operators to adopt transparent practices while calling on the government to create dedicated funding windows, especially for foreign currency needed to acquire and maintain aircraft, he stressed.

The Air Peace chairman used the forum to credited the current administration with stabilizing the forex market and opening the door for aircraft leasing deals. He recalled rejecting a $2 million settlement in a dispute with an international lessor, a decision he said helped protect Nigeria’s reputation and secure future leasing opportunities.

With leasing access restored, stakeholders believe airlines can now boost capacity, expand international routes, and strengthen their competitive edge in the global market.

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The 118-seater jet, with registration number 5N-CEF, landed at Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, at exactly 7:38 p.m. on Sunday, June 22. It becomes the first of its type in the airline’s growing fleet, with a second unit expected next month.

In a statement to journalists, Air Peace’s spokesperson, Osifo-Whiskey Efe, described the aircraft as a key addition to the airline’s operational strategy. He said the Embraer 190 was chosen for its efficiency, comfort, and suitability for various route types.

“This aircraft type brings a new dimension to our service offerings,” Efe said. “It is designed for efficiency, eco-friendly operations, and improved passenger comfort, featuring a 2-2 seating configuration and a quiet, spacious cabin. It allows us to connect more cities seamlessly and serve underserved destinations with the right capacity.”

Efe emphasized the airline’s commitment to improving air travel across Nigeria and the West African region by investing in modern aircraft tailored to the network’s demands.

With over 30 aircraft in operation, Air Peace remains a dominant player in West Africa’s aviation industry. As of May 2025, the airline reported an average on-time performance of 85% on its domestic routes—a figure the company says reflects its focus on reliability and service delivery.

The arrival of the Embraer 190 comes at a time when the airline is positioning for further growth. In the third quarter of the year, Air Peace plans to introduce new domestic routes, increase its regional footprint, and expand international operations.

Fleet expansion, according to the airline, is central to meeting rising passenger demand and sustaining its role as a key driver of regional air connectivity.

Air Peace operates a mix of narrow-body and wide-body aircraft, and its recent acquisitions are aligned with long-term plans to offer more route options, boost operational efficiency, and maintain service excellence across its growing network.

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The flight, operated on a Boeing 737 aircraft with registration 5N-BQV, departed Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport at 2:14 PM and landed at Félix Houphouët-Boigny International Airport in Abidjan before returning to Lagos at 10:46 PM with the rescued women onboard.

Many of the women shared harrowing accounts of deception, exploitation, and abandonment in the Francophone country, where they had been trafficked under false promises of work and better lives.

The mission was initiated and led by Dr. Allen Ifechukwu Onyema, Chairman and CEO of Air Peace, who had earlier in April committed to flying the victims back home at no cost. Beyond the free flight, the airline also extended medical and psychosocial support to the returnees as part of its broader humanitarian package.

“Human trafficking is a blight on our shared humanity,” Dr. Onyema said at the Lagos airport as he received the women. “As an airline of the people, we cannot stand by while Nigerians suffer abroad. We are not just about aviation; we are about nation-building.”

The successful operation was made possible through a coordinated effort involving Air Peace, the Nigerian Embassy in Abidjan, and the Nigerian Community in Côte d’Ivoire.

Chief Michael Emeka Onwuchelu, President of the Nigerian Community in Côte d’Ivoire, described the evacuation as “a miracle.”

“What Dr. Onyema and Air Peace have done transcends corporate responsibility. This is godly. At a time when many would look away, they stepped up. The Nigerian community is eternally grateful,” he said.

Mr. Paul Obi, a senior officer at the Nigerian Embassy in Abidjan, also commended the airline’s swift response and support.

“Many of these women were undocumented and vulnerable. The rescue would have been nearly impossible without Air Peace. This mission has restored dignity and hope.”

Dr. Onyema reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to national causes and humanitarian relief, promising that Air Peace would continue to respond to Nigerians in distress across the globe.

This latest intervention follows several others by the airline, including the 2019 evacuation of 503 Nigerians affected by xenophobic violence in South Africa, COVID-19 repatriation flights in 2020, the airlift of Nigerians stranded during the Ukraine-Russia crisis in 2022, and the evacuation of 277 citizens from war-torn Sudan in 2023.

With this mission, Air Peace once again proves that being a national carrier is not just about connecting destinations, but about answering the call of duty when the nation needs it most.

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In a groundbreaking moment for Nigeria’s aviation sector, the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri, Imo State, recorded its first-ever international flight on the night of May 9, 2025.

The flight, operated by Nigeria’s leading carrier Air Peace, marked the official commencement of the 2025 Hajj operations, carrying 315 Muslim pilgrims on a direct journey from Owerri to Medina, Saudi Arabia.

Boeing 777 Touches Down in Owerri

Adding to the significance of the moment, Air Peace deployed its wide-body Boeing 777-300 aircraft—the largest aircraft to ever land at the airport. This historic touchdown is a strong indication of the airport’s upgraded capacity and readiness for international operations.

The successful handling of such a high-capacity aircraft signals a new era for the South-East region in global aviation and religious tourism.

Vice President Shettima Flags Off Flight

The flag-off ceremony was personally conducted by Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima, who praised Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma for advancing religious inclusiveness and infrastructure development in the state.

Addressing the pilgrims, Vice President Shettima urged them to be exemplary ambassadors of Nigeria during their stay in the Holy Land, encouraging them to uphold the nation’s values and reputation abroad.

Owerri Positioned as Religious Travel Hub

Governor Uzodinma, speaking at the event, reaffirmed his commitment to improving aviation infrastructure in Imo State. He emphasized that the airport will also support Christian pilgrimage operations, setting Owerri on course to become a major hub for faith-based and international travel.

National Unity on Display

The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, graced the event alongside top dignitaries and religious leaders from across the country. Their presence reflected the unity and national importance of this historic flight.

Air Peace Debunks Rumors, Strengthens Reputation

The flight also served as a strong rebuttal to recent rumors about Air Peace being suspended from Hajj operations. Instead, the airline has not only maintained its role in national service but has also made history by inaugurating the 2025 Hajj from a non-traditional departure city—a first for the South-East.

A New Dawn for Regional Aviation

With this milestone, Air Peace and the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport have officially entered the aviation history books. The success of this flight represents more than just a departure—it is the start of a new chapter in regional integration, religious harmony, and aviation excellence in Nigeria.

Follow us for more updates on Nigeria’s growing aviation network and coverage of Hajj 2025 operations nationwide.

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 In a major development within Nigeria’s aviation and communications landscape,

Air Peace, Nigeria’s leading airline and the largest carrier across West and Central Africa, confirmed his departure following the receipt of a formal resignation letter. In the letter, Dr. Ndiulo expressed heartfelt appreciation for the opportunities, mentorship, and professional growth he experienced during his tenure with the airline.

Though the exact details of his next destination remain under wraps, reliable industry insiders suggest that Dr. Ndiulo is moving into a strategic executive role within a prominent organization that has closely monitored his career ascent and offered him a more impactful leadership platform.

Dr. Ndiulo leaves behind a remarkable legacy of transformation, having successfully positioned Air Peace as a formidable voice in aviation and corporate branding, particularly during the airline’s international expansion and public engagement efforts.

With over two decades of cross-industry experience, Dr. Ndiulo has carved a niche in strategic marketing, public affairs, brand storytelling, and stakeholder communication. His career spans top-tier roles across journalism, international trade, banking, wealth management, and aviation. Notable past positions include roles at ThisDay Newspaper, the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce (DIHK), BBC, Fidelity Bank, Optiva Capital Partners, and most recently, Air Peace.

A multi-award-winning journalist, Dr. Ndiulo has been recognized with the Nigeria Media Merit Award (NMMA) for Insurance Reporter of the Year and was 1st runner-up for Financial Reporter of the Year. He is a well-rounded scholar, holding a PhD in Strategic Marketing Management from Babcock University, an MSc in Marketing from the University of Lagos, an MBA from Lagos State University, and a BSc in Agricultural Economics from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.

His qualifications are further enhanced by certifications in External Relations and Reputation Management from Pan-Atlantic University and Hostile Environment and Emergency First Aid Training (HEFAT) from TOR International, UK. He holds memberships with NIPR, NIMN, and APCON.

In his resignation letter addressed to Air Peace’s Human Resources Department cited on his Facebook handling, Dr. Ndiulo wrote:

“I wish to resign my appointment as Head, Corporate Communications at Air Peace Limited. My family and I are grateful for the wonderful opportunities for growth and development that I have had during my time at Air Peace. Your guidance and support have played a crucial role in my professional journey, and I appreciate the trust you placed in me. I wish you and the entire team at Air Peace continued success. Looking forward to maintaining a positive relationship with Air Peace in the future.”

His departure marks the end of a transformative era at Air Peace, where he was instrumental in crafting impactful communication strategies and elevating the airline’s public presence both locally and internationally.

As the aviation and communications sectors await his next move, one thing is clear—Dr. Ejike Ndiulo is poised to continue making waves as a thought leader and communications strategist in the years ahead.

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 In a vibrant celebration of innovation, creativity, and customer appreciation, West and Central Africa’s largest airline,

This strategic collaboration is designed to elevate the flying experience by blending travel with technology in engaging ways. The campaign, which features two core phases—“Fly and Win” and “Snap and Win”—offers passengers the opportunity to win exciting prizes while flying with Air Peace.

During a recent surprise activation on one of its scheduled flights, passengers were treated to an unforgettable moment mid-air as lucky winners received Tecno’s latest Camon 40 smartphones. This thrilling giveaway, a highlight of the “Fly and Win” phase, showcased both brands’ shared commitment to rewarding loyalty and creating memorable experiences for their customers.

In the ongoing “Snap and Win” phase, passengers are invited to capture creative in-flight moments and share them on social media, tagging both Air Peace and Tecno Nigeria. Participants stand a chance to win a free Economy return ticket on any domestic Air Peace route and a brand-new Tecno Camon 40 smartphone. The campaign also includes live draws on social platforms, expanding the reach and excitement beyond the skies.

Speaking about the partnership, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Olajide, Chief Operating Officer of Air Peace, remarked:

“This partnership with Tecno Nigeria goes beyond marketing—it’s a powerful symbol of innovation, empowerment, and appreciation for our teeming flyers. As West Africa’s largest airline, we are constantly seeking new ways to reward our customers and redefine the flight experience. The ‘Free to Snap, Free to Soar’ campaign speaks to freedom, creativity, and connection. We invite more passengers to participate as the campaign winds down on the 31st of May 2025.”

The initiative also marks a significant milestone for Air Peace, commemorating the first anniversary of its Lagos-London-Lagos operations on April 30, 2025. Passengers on these celebratory flights received special souvenirs from Tecno Nigeria and exclusive travel rewards from Air Peace—further cementing the partnership’s impact and reach.

With “Free to Snap, Free to Soar,” Air Peace and Tecno Nigeria are not only celebrating a shared vision but are also empowering travelers through innovation, reward, and connection—proving that the sky is no longer the limit, but just the beginning.

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Air Peace, Nigeria’s leading carrier, has reiterated its unwavering commitment to safety, following recent concerns about flight delays and cancellations. In a reflective statement issued on Friday, the airline addressed speculation regarding the cause of disruptions, emphasizing that safety—not aircraft shortage—is the driving force behind its operational decisions.

Reacting to a reported advisory from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), which allegedly urged the airline to scale down operations to match its fleet capacity, Air Peace clarified that it possesses sufficient aircraft and that delays are not due to fleet inadequacy.

“Air Peace has more aircraft available than are currently rostered for daily operations,” the airline stated. “Therefore, any delays or cancellations we’ve experienced have absolutely nothing to do with fleet shortage.”

The airline extended sincere apologies to its passengers for any inconvenience caused by recent disruptions. However, it was unequivocal in stating that safety will never be compromised for comfort, convenience, speed, or even profitability.

“At Air Peace, safety is and will always remain our cardinal priority,” the statement read. “We fully empathize with our esteemed passengers who experience discomfort, inconvenience, or disrupted plans due to flight delays or cancellations. However, we do not regret taking operational decisions rooted in the protection of human lives.”

In one cited incident that underscored this approach, an Air Peace aircraft encountered a bird strike while landing in Enugu on Friday, resulting in engine damage. The aircraft, which was scheduled for multiple routes that day, was immediately withdrawn from service in compliance with safety protocols—triggering a ripple effect on the airline’s operations.

“This kind of situation is completely beyond the control of any airline,” Air Peace explained. “But again, our priority is the safety of our passengers.”

The airline emphasized that every decision—whether it leads to delays, cancellations, or temporary suspension of services—is made in line with stringent safety standards established since its inception.

“We do not cancel any flight for the fun of it,” the airline stressed. “It is not our policy to delay or cancel flights without due cause, and when we do, we are often the greater loser financially. We remain focused on serving our passengers with dignity, professionalism, and above all, unwavering adherence to safety standards.”

Air Peace’s statement serves as a firm reminder of the aviation industry’s golden rule: safety above all else. As Nigeria’s air travel sector continues to expand, the airline’s posture reflects a maturing approach to aviation governance and passenger assurance.

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Ejike Ndiulo, Head, Corporate Communications, Air Peace  stated that the Central to the Chairman message was the importance of synergy. “No one agency or operator can do it alone,” he warned. “Airlines, airport authorities, security agencies, regulators, and private sector partners must work in concert.” He highlighted how Air Peace has modeled this collaborative approach by investing heavily in cutting-edge security technology, continuous training, and institutional partnerships.
However, the veteran airline boss cautioned against an overreliance on hardware and checklists. “Security is also about mindset,” he said, emphasizing that vigilance, intelligence-sharing, and uncompromising compliance must be cultural norms across the aviation ecosystem.
Dr. Onyema urged the symposium not to become “another talkshop,” but a launchpad for concrete, collective action. “Let us share best practices, raise hard questions, and commit to actionable outcomes,” he appealed.
As he concluded his address, Dr. Onyema reaffirmed Air Peace’s commitment to collaboration and aviation excellence. “Our passengers deserve nothing less,” he stated solemnly, “and our future as an aviation nation depends on it.”
In retrospect, the message from Air Peace’s chairman stands as a clarion call—one that challenges Nigeria’s aviation sector to evolve beyond rhetoric and towards resolute action in securing the skies.

Takeaways from Dr. Onyema’s Address:

Security is non-negotiable: It is the foundational element of aviation and must be treated as such.

Collaboration is crucial: A secure aviation environment requires seamless coordination among all stakeholders.

Beyond hardware: A security culture rooted in vigilance, training, and compliance is essential.

Action, not rhetoric: Industry events should lead to real reforms, not recycled discussions.

Leadership by example: Air Peace is modeling proactive security through investment, innovation, and partnership.

Dr. Onyema’s address stands as a wake-up call to Nigeria’s aviation sector: securing the skies requires more than protocols—it demands purpose-driven partnerships and measurable action.

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As part of its robust Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives centered on environment, education, social welfare, and youth and women empowerment, Air Peace, the largest airline in West and Central Africa, has taken a bold step to uplift women in Umuerim Umukparo, Mbala community, Abia State.

In a touching display of support, Air Peace awarded six women from the community with complimentary return economy tickets to travel to any destination within Nigeria. This initiative seeks not only to introduce more women to the world of air travel but also to spark aspirations in aviation careers—pilots, engineers, cabin crew, and airline managers among them. It was a celebration of possibility, demonstrating how one life-changing moment can inspire a community.

Speaking during the event, Dr. Ejike Ndiulo, Head of Corporate Communications at Air Peace, emphasized the airline’s dedication to promoting gender inclusion and leadership.

“Air Peace is here today in Mbala not just to give tickets but to open doors—to humanize air travel and show how aviation can transform lives,” Dr. Ndiulo said.
“At Air Peace, we recognize the strength, resilience, and potential of women. Our leadership team itself is a testament to this, with women occupying top roles such as Vice Chairman, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief of Administration and Finance. Today, it’s a free ticket; tomorrow, it could be the start of an aviation career.”

Dr. Ndiulo highlighted that Air Peace’s mission extends beyond providing safe and affordable travel; it is about making the skies accessible to everyday Nigerians, regardless of background, and creating pathways to greater opportunities.

The visit also honored the remarkable journey of Miss Gold Chinyere Ike, who recently made history as the first woman from Umuerim Umukparo to travel by air. Inspired by her story, the Air Peace team traveled to Mbala to celebrate her achievement in person. The community’s welcome was nothing short of spectacular—drums resonated, traditional Egede dancers performed energetically, and locals lined the streets in celebration and gratitude.

Overwhelmed by emotion, Miss Ike shared:

“I didn’t know what to expect. For Air Peace to come all the way to my village because of my little story—it’s humbling. I am so grateful, and the community is overjoyed.”

In recognition of her trailblazing journey, Air Peace, on behalf of its Chairman/CEO Dr. Allen Onyema, presented Miss Ike with two additional complimentary return economy tickets to any domestic destination of her choice, along with branded souvenirs.

Miss Ike’s story is not just a viral moment—it is a powerful reminder of why Air Peace exists: to democratize air travel, to give wings to dreams, and to connect people to greater possibilities. Her experience symbolizes the airline’s broader commitment to breaking barriers, fostering inclusion, and making aviation a tool for empowerment.

In communities often overlooked, Air Peace is proving that flying is not just about reaching new destinations—it’s about discovering new identities and igniting new dreams. Through initiatives like this, the airline continues to reaffirm its role as a catalyst for positive change across Nigeria.

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In a powerful testament to its dedication to in-house talent development and career advancement, Air Peace—Nigeria and West Africa’s largest airline—has promoted two of its seasoned Senior First Officers, Obinna Okeke and Adedamola Adeoye, to the prestigious rank of Captain on its Boeing 737 fleet.

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