FG, Air Peace celebrate the arrival of a dry-lease Boeing 737-NG, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria's aviation industry. This partnership between Air Peace and AerCap, a leading aircraft leasing company, is a major step towards strengthening Nigeria's aviation capacity and global competitiveness after nearly two decades. The aircraft was unveiled by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN), at the General Aviation Terminal in Lagos, emphasizing the confidence global partners have in Nigeria's air transport sector and private operators like Air Peace. The collaboration is a testament to the credibility and operational excellence of local carriers, as it showcases the ability of Nigerian airlines to attract world-class institutions in the global aviation value chain. The Minister assured that the ministry will continue to support Nigerian airlines through improved regulatory frameworks, bilateral agreements, and fiscal incentives to ensure sustainability in aviation business. Air Peace's Chairman and CEO, Dr. Allen Onyema, described the development as a 'bold leap' in Nigeria's aviation story, highlighting the dry-lease partnership with AerCap as a strategic move. This partnership will allow Air Peace to maintain ownership and operational control while benefiting from AerCap's technical expertise and fleet management support, positioning Nigeria to compete globally. The collaboration will also optimize routes, enhance maintenance standards, and improve the passenger experience, especially across the airline's growing intercontinental network. Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, the Managing Director of Fidelity Bank Plc., praised Air Peace's prudence and governance culture, indicating that Nigerian banks are ready to support credible indigenous players scaling into the global market. The Irish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Peter Ryan, highlighted the collaboration as a bridge of trust between Nigeria and Ireland, given AerCap's Irish origins and global leadership in aircraft leasing. This partnership will foster deeper technical and educational exchanges in aviation management and finance. AerCap's Vice President, Leasing, Mr. Gas Wavomba, praised Air Peace's operational record and commitment to compliance, expressing confidence in the airline's leadership and the growing opportunities in the African continent. The event, attended by aviation officials, industry stakeholders, and the diplomatic community, signifies Nigeria's intensified efforts to attract foreign investment and strengthen local capacity through public-private partnerships. With this partnership, Air Peace is poised to expand its international footprint, marking a significant leap in Nigeria's aviation journey.
