Air Peace Inducted by Nigerian-British Chamber, Aviation’s Role in Trade Highlighted
Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest airline and a driving force in West African aviation, has been formally welcomed into the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC), marking a significant milestone for both the carrier and the region’s economic ambitions. The induction, celebrated at the Chamber’s Quarterly Members’ Evening and Induction Ceremony in Lagos, drew corporate leaders, investors, and policymakers eager to explore new avenues for trade and cooperation.
Themed “Trade Without Borders: Aviation as a Catalyst for Bilateral Growth between Nigeria and the UK,” the event spotlighted the crucial role air transport plays in connecting markets, driving investment, and strengthening tourism links. Air Peace’s inclusion in the NBCC was lauded as not just timely, but pivotal in forging deeper commercial and diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Allen Onyema, Chairman of Air Peace, underscored aviation’s transformative impact on economic development. He emphasized how efficient, affordable air connections lower the barriers to trade, facilitate people-to-people exchanges, and accelerate the flow of goods, services, and ideas. “The aviation sector holds immense potential in unlocking new investment opportunities and advancing Nigeria’s economic growth,” Onyema remarked, pointing out the airline’s role as a bridge for business and cultural exchange between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
NBCC President Prince Abimbola Olashore commended Air Peace for its leadership and innovation in connecting Nigeria to the UK. He described the airline’s induction as a strategic step that will contribute to “advancing shared prosperity” and redefining trade links, especially as bilateral relations between the two countries continue to evolve. The Chamber’s Membership Committee Chairman, Dr. Nnamdi Okonkwo, also praised Onyema’s vision, recalling his instrumental role in financing Air Peace’s first aircraft during his tenure as CEO of Fidelity Bank—a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit underpinning the carrier’s success story.
In just over a decade since its founding, Air Peace has risen to become West and Central Africa’s largest airline, with a fleet exceeding 40 aircraft and a robust network of domestic, regional, and international routes. The airline’s landmark Lagos–London service has already transformed travel between Nigeria and the UK, enhancing mobility for business travelers, diaspora communities, and tourists alike.
Looking ahead, Air Peace is poised to consolidate its pioneering status with the launch of Abuja–London flights scheduled for October 2025. This move will further cement the airline’s reputation as a trailblazer in Nigerian aviation, while also expanding its footprint in key global corridors. The expansion is expected to support greater ease of access for Africa’s travelers, stimulate bilateral tourism, and strengthen economic exchanges between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
The NBCC induction and the focus on aviation’s catalytic role reflect broader trends in Africa’s travel and trade sectors. As nations seek to diversify economies and deepen international partnerships, reliable air connectivity emerges as an indispensable foundation for growth. Air Peace’s trajectory offers valuable lessons for African travel professionals: strategic investment in fleet and route development, combined with strong leadership, can unlock new markets, foster regional integration, and enhance Africa’s competitive position on the world stage.
For stakeholders across the continent, Air Peace’s ongoing expansion signals fresh opportunities for collaboration in aviation, tourism, and trade. As the airline continues to champion regional connectivity and global reach, its story demonstrates how African carriers can shape the future of cross-border commerce and shared prosperity.
