Nigerian carrier Air Peace is gearing up to extend its international footprint by launching flights to New York and Houston in the United States by the end of 2024. This ambitious expansion comes on the heels of the airline’s recent initiation of services to London Gatwick on March 30. CEO Allen Onyema revealed these plans during an appearance on The Morning Show on Arise News, a prominent Nigerian television channel, underscoring the airline’s commitment to broadening its global reach.
In preparation for its entry into the US market, Air Peace is actively working on bolstering its fleet with three more Boeing 777 aircraft, adding to its existing lineup of two 777-300s and one 777-200ER. These widebody jets are crucial for the airline’s strategy to offer direct long-haul services from Nigeria to various destinations worldwide. “My staff are in California inspecting some three 777s we want to acquire and buy. So, if we could get them in the next two or three months, then of course, we are good to go anywhere,” Onyema was quoted as saying in an interview with Nigeria’s This Day newspaper.
However, it’s important to note that US government records indicate Air Peace has not yet applied for a US Foreign Air Carrier Permit or Exemption Authority, a necessary step in launching flights to the US. The airline’s move towards securing additional aircraft signals a significant phase in its preparation for these routes, reflecting confidence in its operational and regulatory roadmap.
The CEO also shared insights into the challenges faced while securing air access to London, a journey marked by regulatory hurdles that spanned several years. Air Peace’s preference for London Heathrow, a slot-constrained airport, aimed at ensuring reciprocity with UK carriers serving Lagos and Abuja. However, the airline eventually commenced operations at Gatwick, marking a compromise in its strategic entry into the UK market. Currently, Air Peace operates the London route with a mix of its 777-200ER and a 787-9 wet-leased from Norse Atlantic (United Kingdom), demonstrating flexibility and resilience in its international expansion efforts.
Air Peace’s proactive measures to expand its fleet and venture into new territories like New York and Houston illustrate the airline’s ambitious vision for growth. By extending its network to include these key US cities, Air Peace aims to facilitate greater connectivity and foster stronger ties between Nigeria and the United States, benefiting travelers and promoting economic engagements between the two nations.
