On Thursday, October 24, 2024, Nigeria’s flag carrier, Air Peace, marked a significant milestone by celebrating its 10th anniversary. This achievement stands as a testament to the airline’s resilience and commitment in a challenging industry.
Having obtained its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) in 2014, Air Peace commenced scheduled flight operations in the same year and has since surpassed expectations, growing steadily amidst various challenges in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
A Visionary Leader’s Influence
Dr. Allen Onyema, the airline’s charismatic Chief Executive Officer, has played a pivotal role in Air Peace’s success, consistently overcoming the hurdles that come with operating in Nigeria. In a landscape where numerous airlines, such as Bellview, Chanchangi, and Sosoliso, have struggled and ceased operations, Air Peace remains a beacon of hope for the traveling public.
As the airline celebrates its decade of operations, Dr. Onyema shared insights on the motivations behind starting Air Peace, emphasizing his father’s influence on his journey. “I never thought I would go into aviation. My father encouraged me to pursue a business that could create jobs for many,” he recounted. Inspired by a friend, he ventured into aviation, believing it could provide substantial employment opportunities, despite his initial naivety about the industry.
A Commitment to Job Creation
Dr. Onyema’s drive to establish Air Peace stems from a desire to uplift others. He believes in the importance of creating opportunities for Nigerians. “Unless my brothers and sisters prosper, I cannot find inner peace,” he stated, reinforcing his motivation to build a world-class airline that embodies this ethos.
Untapped Potential and Strategic Focus
Highlighting Nigeria’s untapped potential, Dr. Onyema noted, “Everything is here—from a rich variety of cultures to vast natural resources and a youthful population.” He believes in harnessing these opportunities to propel Nigeria’s aviation sector and economy.
His greatest satisfaction lies in fostering success among many rather than merely achieving personal accolades. “Happiness ought to be shared,” he reflected, illustrating his commitment to building a reputable airline that serves not only the nation but also showcases Nigeria’s capabilities on the global stage.
Air Peace’s Achievements and Milestones
Air Peace has made remarkable strides in its decade of operation, currently servicing 17 international and regional destinations, with London Gatwick being its latest addition. Here are some key milestones and awards:
- 2016: Airline of the Year by Daylight Annual Leadership, Domestic Airline of the Year by Tell Magazine, and a Diamond Special Recognition Award for contributions to the aviation industry.
- 2017: Best Domestic Airline by Nigeria Air Traffic Controllers (NATCA) and launched its first regional flight operations from Lagos to Accra, Ghana.
- 2018: Became the first Nigerian airline to acquire Boeing 777s and won the Best Airline in West Africa at the Balafon Award of Excellence.
- 2019: Launched international scheduled flights to Dubai and received multiple accolades for excellence in service.
- 2020: Expanded operations to South Africa and facilitated the evacuation of Nigerians from China during the pandemic.
- 2021: Received several safety awards and became the first African airline to operate E2-195 jets.
- 2022-2024: Achieved direct flights to Israel and other key international destinations, alongside numerous industry awards.
As Air Peace embarks on its next decade, the airline continues to exemplify resilience, commitment to excellence, and a deep-rooted desire to uplift the Nigerian economy. Under the guidance of Dr. Onyema, Air Peace is poised for further growth, helping to redefine Nigeria’s aviation landscape.