The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace Limited, Allen Onyema, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for providing the policy support that enabled the airline’s successful Abuja–London Heathrow flight.
Onyema said the President’s intervention was crucial in reducing international airfares from as high as $13,000 to about $3,000, a move that has reshaped competition in Nigeria’s aviation market.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE News on Wednesday, Onyema described the achievement as a historic milestone for the nation’s aviation industry and an example of how partnership between government and the private sector can drive national progress.
“I want to congratulate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for pulling this off. This is an example of government paving the way for the private sector to thrive,” Onyema said.
“No country develops without the private sector, because it is the private sector that embodies and implements the visions and aspirations of government.”
Okay News reports that Air Peace recently commenced direct flights from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja to London Heathrow Airport, marking a new era in Nigeria’s international air travel.
Onyema revealed that the flight has “saved Nigerians money and made flying affordable again,” noting that even foreign passengers were pleased to see competition returning to the market.
He disclosed that Air Peace now operates 14 weekly flights between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, covering both the Lagos–London Gatwick and Abuja–London Heathrow routes — a first for any Nigerian airline.
According to him, this development has compelled foreign airlines to review their fares, bringing relief to all categories of travelers.
“It’s opened the corridor not just to Europe but to the entire world. Many of our passengers are connecting to America, Canada, and Asia through London, saving a lot of money with our affordable fares,” Onyema added.
The Air Peace boss further credited the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for implementing President Tinubu’s aviation agenda, particularly in restoring Nigeria’s access to international aircraft leasing after 15 years of restrictions.
“For over 15 years, the industry was blacklisted, but this administration changed everything,” Onyema said. “They signed the Cape Town Convention Practice Direction, which allows major leasing companies to come into Nigeria. The government has given Nigerian aviation a new lease of life.”
He also praised the removal of the 4% FOB levy on imported aircraft parts, describing it as a decision that has boosted investor confidence and encouraged domestic airlines to expand.
“We’re not asking for money — just supportive policies. When we complained about the levy, the president removed it immediately. That’s what a listening government does,” he said.
Onyema, however, cautioned against acts that undermine indigenous enterprises, warning that attacks on successful Nigerian companies threaten the country’s economic stability.
“Destroying a company like Air Peace that employs over 10,000 Nigerians harms the nation. When people lose jobs, insecurity rises,” he noted.
He reaffirmed that Air Peace represents Nigeria’s strength and innovation on the global stage, not just an individual success story.
“Air Peace is not about Allen Onyema — it’s about Nigeria. Every time we fly our flag in London, we show what Nigerians can achieve when government and the private sector work together,” he added.
