Allen Onyema, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Air Peace Airlines, has announced the airline’s ambitious plans to commence flights to New York and Houston by the end of 2024.
This revelation comes in the wake of the successful launch of Air Peace’s Lagos-London route.
In an interview on ‘The Morning Show’ on ARISE News Channel, Onyema shared the airline’s expansion strategy, emphasizing their readiness to take on additional flights.
Currently, Air Peace operates seven daily flights from Nigeria to Gatwick Airport in London, News About Nigeria reports.
Onyema revealed that Air Peace is in the process of acquiring more aircraft to facilitate these new routes.
He expressed confidence in the airline’s preparedness, stating, “If the government grants us Abuja-London, we are ready to seize the opportunity.”
He also mentioned that Air Peace is exploring the possibility of expanding its fleet with the acquisition of additional Boeing 777 aircraft.
Highlighting the progress made towards realizing these plans, Onyema disclosed that Air Peace’s technical team is currently in California inspecting three Boeing 777s slated for acquisition.
He projected that if the acquisition process proceeds smoothly, the airline will be well-positioned to launch flights to New York or Houston within the next two to three months.
However, Onyema did not shy away from addressing the challenges encountered in establishing the Lagos-London route.
He cited bureaucratic hurdles and international aero-political complexities as significant obstacles that Air Peace had to navigate over the past seven years.
Despite setbacks, Onyema remains determined to overcome these challenges and forge ahead with the airline’s expansion plans.
Onyema appealed for greater support from the Nigerian government to bolster the country’s aviation sector.
He stressed the importance of creating an enabling environment for indigenous airlines to thrive, advocating for improved ease of doing business and regulatory support.
Air Peace’s ambitious endeavor to introduce flights to New York and Houston reflects its commitment to expanding its global footprint and enhancing connectivity for Nigerian travelers.
As the airline continues to chart new frontiers, stakeholders eagerly anticipate the realization of these transatlantic routes, which hold the promise of bolstering Nigeria’s aviation industry and fostering international connectivity.
