The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace Limited, Allen Onyema, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing the crucial policy backing that made possible the airline’s landmark Abuja–London Heathrow flight.
Speaking in an interview on ARISE News on Wednesday, Onyema described the achievement as a defining moment for Nigeria’s aviation industry, noting that it demonstrated how effective collaboration between the government and private sector could deliver tangible national benefits.
He revealed that President Tinubu’s timely intervention in addressing key regulatory and diplomatic hurdles paved the way for the successful commencement of the route, which has since led to a significant reduction in international airfare prices.
“Before our entry into the London route, some airlines were charging as much as $13,000 for a single ticket. Today, Nigerians can fly for about $3,000. That’s a massive relief for travellers and a big win for the country,” Onyema said.
He added that Air Peace’s successful operation of the Abuja–London service underscores the capacity of Nigerian airlines to compete globally when given a level playing field and adequate government support.
“This is not just about Air Peace; it’s about national pride and economic empowerment,” he noted. “What we’ve achieved shows that Nigeria can stand tall in the international aviation space if our local operators are supported with the right policies.”
Onyema also expressed optimism that the breakthrough would inspire other indigenous carriers to explore international routes, further boosting Nigeria’s visibility and competitiveness in global aviation.
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