Aviation

Air Peace Hosts Abuja Forum Ahead of Abuja–London (Heathrow & Gatwick) Launch

L-R: Regional Account Manager, Tahir Saleh, Abuja Vice President, NANTA, Ibiwari Uloma Kemabonta, Chairman/CEO Air Peace Limited, Dr Allen Onyema, NANTA President, Mr Yinka Folami, Chief Operating Officer Air Peace, Mrs Oluwatoyin Olajide, Chief Commercial Officer Air Peace. Mr Nowel Ngala and Vice President Sabre Dr Dare Olayiwola.

Nigeria’s largest carrier and West Africa’s aviation leader, Air Peace Limited, on Monday convened a high-level Travel Partner Forum at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, as part of preparations for the launch of its Abuja–London (Heathrow & Gatwick) flights scheduled for 26 and 28 October 2025.

The forum brought together Air Peace’s top-selling travel agents, executive members of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies (NANTA), and representatives of global travel solutions giants Amadeus and Sabre, in a move that underscores the airline’s commitment to fostering robust partnerships and advancing Nigeria’s global aviation footprint.

A highlight of the event was a comprehensive brand and route presentation delivered by Air Peace’s Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Nowel Ngala, who shared data-driven insights on the London route, its strategic importance to Nigeria’s travel market, and the critical role of travel partners in ensuring its success. An interactive Q&A session followed, providing stakeholders a platform to discuss opportunities, sales optimization strategies, and collaborative efforts to further position Nigeria on the international aviation map.

In his goodwill message, Air Peace Chairman, Dr. Allen Onyema, expressed appreciation to travel agents and partners for their steadfast support since the airline’s historic Lagos–London Gatwick service commenced in March 2024. He credited their partnership as a key factor in Air Peace’s confidence to expand into Heathrow, while also emphasizing the airline’s broader socio-economic mission.

“Beyond offering Nigerians world-class travel choices, Air Peace is deliberately creating employment through initiatives like our Graduate Trainee Programme, which has already opened doors for thousands of young Nigerians across diverse disciplines. We are committed to building a steady pipeline of skilled manpower and empowering the next generation to contribute to Nigeria’s growth story,” Onyema said.

To further galvanize participation, the airline announced that select travel agents will enjoy complimentary seats on the inaugural Abuja–London service, in addition to heavily discounted fares during the introductory period. “Our Abuja brothers and sisters will not only experience this service firsthand but also benefit from massive discounts designed to make the route accessible and sustainable,” Onyema added.

In his remarks, NANTA President, Mr. Yinka Folami, lauded Air Peace’s resilience, operational reliability, and forward-looking investments, particularly the ongoing construction of its Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Lagos, which he described as a game-changer for Nigeria and the African continent. He reaffirmed the association’s commitment to rally behind Air Peace, calling the airline a “national project” deserving of collective support.

Executives from Amadeus and Sabre also praised the Abuja–London initiative, noting that Air Peace’s integration into their global distribution systems—covering over 160 countries and 55,000 travel agencies—will enhance accessibility, competitiveness, and bookings for the route.

The Abuja–London flights, alongside the Lagos–Gatwick connection, mark another strategic milestone in Air Peace’s international expansion drive. The route is projected to not only ease travel for Nigerians but also stimulate tourism, strengthen bilateral ties, create jobs, and promote cultural exchange between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.

With this milestone, Air Peace continues to cement its position as Nigeria’s leading airline, dedicated to expanding connectivity, fueling economic growth, and delivering its signature brand of Nigerian hospitality on the global stage.

PHOTO NEWS

Air Peace Chairman, Dr. Allen Onyema, (5th from right) in a group photograph with other dignitaries.