The appointment was announced in a statement issued on Wednesday by Tunde Moshood, Special Adviser on Media and Communications to the minister.

AfDB also confirmed that a Letter of Intent between the bank and Nigeria will be signed during its Annual Meetings in Brazzaville on 28 May 2026.

The programme is designed to enhance Africa’s aviation sector through investment, regulatory alignment and skills development.

AfDB said the selection of Festus Keyamo shows Nigeria’s role in ongoing aviation reforms and its growing influence in regional air transport policy.

In the statement, the bank also set out the funding structure and ambition of the initiative. “This is the Integrated Aviation Transformation Program for Africa (IATP) for which it has earmarked the sum of $7 billion (Seven Billion Dollars),” the statement read in part.

The initiative will draw funding from private investors, institutional capital and concessional sources. AfDB said the aim is to improve connectivity across the continent and make air transport more efficient and competitive.

Africa’s aviation sector is heavily underdeveloped relative to global demand. African airlines account for less than 3% of global air traffic, despite the continent making up close to 18% of the world’s population.

The gap has long been an issue of concern around limited connectivity, high operating costs and weak route integration between countries.

AfDB’s programme focuses on three main areas.

First, it targets the full operationalisation of the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), an African Union initiative under Agenda 2063. SAATM is meant to open up African skies, reduce restrictions on air travel between member states and improve regional connectivity.

Second, it aims to strengthen aviation safety oversight and regulatory systems. Many African countries still operate under fragmented safety frameworks, which affect airline performance and investor confidence.

Third, it focuses on developing aviation skills and workforce capacity. The bank said this is necessary to support long-term growth in airline operations, airport management and regulatory institutions across the continent.

Nigeria is one of 34 African countries that have signed up to SAATM. These countries represent more than 80% of Africa’s aviation market.

However, implementation has remained uneven, with slow progress on full liberalisation of air travel between participating states.

AfDB officials said the transformation plan also seeks to improve access to aircraft financing and upgrade airport infrastructure. It is also aligned with efforts to make aviation development more climate-conscious while encouraging private sector participation.

Keyamo’s appointment places Nigeria at the centre of continental discussions on aviation reform. The AfDB said it selected him based on what it described as Nigeria’s policy direction and reform efforts within its aviation sector.

Nigeria has recently pushed changes around airport infrastructure, airline regulation and operational standards, building itself to become a regional hub in West Africa.

The appointment is also expected to strengthen coordination between African states as the AfDB pushes for a more unified aviation market.

Stakeholders have long argued that fragmented air routes and high inter-country travel costs continue to limit trade, tourism and economic integration across the continent.

With the Brazzaville meeting approaching, attention will turn to how quickly member states move from policy commitments to implementation.

The signing of the Letter of Intent is expected to formalise Nigeria’s role in the programme and set out the next phase of engagement between AfDB and participating countries.

The post AfDB Appoints Festus Keyamo to Lead $7bn African Aviation Transformation Programme appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The agreement ceremony held during the visit of the Nigerian Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development accompanied by government officials and key industry stakeholders to France.

As part of this agreement, Airbus and the Federal Government will support the development of aviation infrastructures and human capital initiatives in Nigeria.

“This visit is a clear step toward strengthening partnerships, unlocking investment and positioning Nigeria as a leader in Africa’s aviation future. Through our engagement with Airbus, we are committed to building a more innovative and globally competitive aviation ecosystem for our country”, stated Mr Festus Keyamo, minister of Civil Aviation and Aerospace Development of Nigeria.

“Nigeria is sitting at the heart of Africa’s aerospace opportunities, driven by its status as one of the fastest-growing nations worldwide with a population of 230 million and its thriving economy. This agreement reflects our shared ambition to scale the civil aviation ecosystem in the country. By leveraging Nigeria’s local talents and infrastructures, we are committed to fostering long term growth and human capital development to strengthen the country’s and the continent’s aviation industry”, said Mr Gabriel Semelas, president, Airbus Africa and the Middle East.

In detail, Airbus will provide comprehensive technical support including aviation market insights, crew and maintenance training, as well as repair and overhaul (MRO) and flight operations consulting services.

The agreement will also foster exchanges between Airbus experts and Nigerian students to engage in the aerospace industry, Africa’s growing aviation market and technical themes, aiming at inspiring the next generation of Nigerian aerospace talents.

This agreement is a testimony of Airbus long term engagement in Africa, currently driven by a dedicated workforce of 3,000 employees.

It underlines the company’s commitment to Africa’s aerospace ecosystem by fostering local partnerships, enhancing skills development, and advancing technical expertise within the region.

Airbus most recent Global Market Forecast predicts that commercial demand for the African continent will reach 1,490 new passenger and freighter aircraft by 2044.

Additionally, Airbus Global Services Forecast estimates that Africa will need to introduce 20,000 additional pilots, 30,000 mechanics and 21,000 cabin crews to meet the surge in air travel demand.

The post Nigeria, Airbus Ink Agreement on Market Insights, Training, and MRO Support appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

In a staggering blow to Nigerian aviation, the cost of the very lifeblood of the industry has tripled recently. What was once a manageable ₦900 per litre has mutated into a ₦3,500 burden, leaving operators with a grim choice: stop flying or face financial ruin.

As the ripples of the US-Iran crisis reach Nigerian runways, the nation’s airspace hangs in a delicate balance.

Now, there are strong indications that domestic airlines in Nigeria may halt operations from Thursday, April 30, 2026, over what operators described as unbearable and unsustainable aviation fuel prices, raising fresh fears of widespread travel disruption across the country.

Industry insiders say the airlines, having engaged both the Federal Government and oil marketers without a breakthrough, may be left with no option but to ground flights by Thursday.

The looming shutdown comes after several complaints by operators, who have watched the price of Jet A1 surge by over 300 per cent compared to February levels, pushing operating costs to the brink.

Passengers, many of whom rely on domestic flights for business and urgent travel, now face uncertainty.

In a bid to avert the crisis, Festus Keyamo, the minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, convened a meeting with airline operators and fuel marketers in Abuja last week. However, findings indicate that the tripartite talks ended in a deadlock, with operators unwilling to shift their stance unless decisive action is taken.

At the end of the two-day meeting, the minister announced a 30 per cent reduction in aviation-related taxes as part of efforts to ease the burden on airlines. While the gesture was acknowledged, operators insist it falls short of addressing the root problem.

Speaking on the first day of the meeting, Allen Onyema, vice president of the Airline Operators of Nigeria, welcomed the government’s intervention but maintained that fuel marketers must account for the sharp rise in prices.

Onyema said,

“This government has helped the industry more than anyone since 1999, and the President is even willing to waive 30 per cent of the debts airlines are owing.

“But the truth is that the marketers must be brought to book to explain how they came about the 300 per cent increase when even Dangote is surprised because what he is selling to us is still the cheapest.”

At the end of the second day, Onyema issued a stark warning, giving a seven-day ultimatum from midnight last Thursday for action to be taken. “Since the advent of the US-Iran war, there has been a spike in aviation fuel in Nigeria, which we, the Airline Operators of Nigeria, feel is not proportionate to the hike internationally.

“We expect that in the next 48 hours something drastic should be done because no airline will fly in this country in the next seven days if nothing is done, not because they don’t want to fly, but because fuel may not be available to us at sustainable pricing.”

Providing further insight into the financial strain, Onyema disclosed that fuel prices have skyrocketed from about ₦900 per litre before the crisis to between ₦2,700 and ₦2,900, with some marketers selling as high as ₦3,500.

“Before the crisis, we were buying fuel at about N900 per litre. Now it has risen to between ₦2,700 and ₦2,900, with some selling as high as ₦3,300 to ₦3,500,” he said.

According to him, airlines are now operating primarily to service fuel costs. “All the airlines in Nigeria have been flying to pay fuel marketers only, and you don’t want to compromise safety,” he added.

Despite speculations about indebtedness, senior airline officials who spoke to our correspondent in confidence on Sunday, due to the sensitive nature of the matter, insisted that operators are up to date with payments to key aviation agencies, including the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency.

According to Punch report, the Airline Operators of Nigeria have formally requested additional relief measures from the government.

In the letter dated April 21 and signed by Abdulmunaf Sarina, AON president the group called for the immediate suspension of aviation taxes, fees, and charges for at least six months.

The operators argued that the unprecedented rise in fuel costs threatens not only airline operations but also jobs and the stability of the aviation sector.

Among other demands, the AON proposed the introduction of a non-taxable fuel surcharge, a standard practice in international aviation to help airlines manage rising costs.

They also urged the government to direct oil marketers to issue credit notes to airlines affected by what they described as excessive and arbitrary price hikes. In addition, the group called for the establishment of an industry tax reform committee to review existing charges, assess their relevance, and align them with global standards.

As the deadline approaches, uncertainty hangs over Nigeria’s aviation sector. Another airline executive, who spoke anonymously on Sunday because he was not authorised to comment publicly, warned that the shutdown threat remains real. “If nothing is done, no airline will be flying by Thursday,” he said.

The post Airline Operators Threaten Shutdown as Jet Fuel Prices Hit ₦3,500 Per Litre appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The directive comes amid widespread disruption, long queues and gridlock at airport access points, which left travellers frustrated and, in some cases, missing flights.

The policy, branded “Operation Go Cashless”, was introduced earlier this week and required motorists and airport users to pay electronically at toll gates, car parks and other revenue collection points nationwide.

While the move was designed to improve efficiency, reduce revenue leakages and align with broader digital payment reforms, its rapid implementation exposed significant operational challenges, including limited public awareness, card shortages and delays in electronic payment processing, that led to severe congestion at entry and exit points, particularly in Lagos and Abuja.

At the end of a Federal Executive Council meeting, Transportation Minister Festus Keyamo, speaking on behalf of the government, said the President was “concerned about the welfare of Nigerians” and directed that the system be taken back to the drawing board for review and improvement.

He emphasised that the suspension does not signal an outright rejection of cashless transactions, but rather an acknowledgment that the rollout needs to be better planned and executed so as not to inconvenience the travelling public.

Keyamo indicated that the administration may involve private sector partners to help design a more efficient system, suggesting a hybrid approach where those with electronic payment tools can use them, while others may temporarily continue to pay in cash until a seamless digital solution is ready.

The decision stresses the challenge of implementing large-scale digital reforms in high-traffic environments where infrastructure, user readiness, and clear communication are critical for success.

It also highlights the government’s responsiveness to public feedback, even as it continues to pursue broader cashless initiatives across federal revenue systems.

The post Tinubu Suspends Cashless Airport Payment Policy After Implementation Challenges appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo confirmed the development on Wednesday through his official X account, revealing that the decision came after extensive consultations with stakeholders, public appeals, and expressions of remorse from both parties.

Emmanson, who had been held at Kirikiri Prison since her arrest on 10 August 2025, will be released this week following Ibom Air’s withdrawal of its criminal complaint. 

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) has also agreed to remove the lifetime ban it placed on her. According to Keyamo, “When the police took her statement in the presence of her lawyer, she exhibited great remorse for her conduct.”

Battle for the Boarding Pass: Air Peace vs. Ibom Air on Key Nigerian Routes

The case of Comfort Emmanson began during a flight from Uyo to Lagos, when she reportedly refused to switch off her mobile phone during take-off, later escalating into an altercation with Ibom Air crew members. She was charged at the Ikeja Magistrates’ Court before being remanded.

In a separate incident, Wasiu Ayinde, known as KWAM 1, had faced a six-month no-fly sanction for allegedly attempting to board a ValueJet flight at Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport on 5 August 2025 with a flask suspected to contain alcohol. 

Reports say he refused to hand it over and proceeded to walk onto the tarmac, obstructing the aircraft’s movement.

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) had also suspended the licences of ValueJet’s Captain Oluranti Ogoyi and First Officer Ivan Oloba for taxiing while individuals were still on the runway. 

Under the new resolution, their licences will be reinstated after serving the same one-month suspension, followed by a professional reappraisal.

Industry bodies had earlier intervened, with the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) urging the NCAA to reconsider the pilots’ suspension, citing their clean professional records. 

However, some aviation law experts, including Professor Ismail Adua Mustapha, had warned that failing to prosecute KWAM 1 could harm Nigeria’s Grade A safety rating and breach obligations under international aviation rules, such as Annex 17 of the Chicago Convention.

Keyamo stressed that the decisions were made purely on compassionate grounds, stating they do not reflect a soft approach to aviation misconduct. He announced that KWAM 1 will now serve as an ambassador for airport security protocol, a role aimed at promoting awareness of proper conduct in aviation environments.

The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) will work with him to drive the campaign. The decision has divided public opinion, some view it as a smart way to turn a high-profile infraction into an educational effort, while others question the optics of appointing someone recently sanctioned to champion discipline in aviation spaces.

As part of the measures, a nationwide aviation security retreat will be held to retrain personnel on handling disruptive passengers and de-escalating tense situations. Airlines will also undergo targeted sessions to improve staff professionalism and passenger relations.

The post FG Orders Ibom Air to Lift Lifetime Ban on Comfort Emmanson appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

On Monday, Enugu Air officially took to the skies. But its story began long before the ribbon-cutting, inside boardrooms, across tarmacs, and through countless shuttles between Enugu and Abuja.

At the center of it all: Governor Peter Mbah, a man determined to turn his state into Nigeria’s next aviation hub.

From the moment he took office, Mbah had made one thing clear, business as usual wouldn’t cut it. Even before Mr. Festus Keyamo, minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, could settle into his new role, the governor was already knocking.

“He was relentless,” Keyamo recalled during the grand launch. “Every week, he was in Abuja, pushing, pressing, determined. At one point, I asked, ‘Do you want Enugu to explode with progress?’”

Mbah’s unyielding pursuit paid off. With three Embraer jets, Enugu Air now connects the state to Lagos, Abuja, and soon, Port Harcourt, Kano, Owerri, Benin, and other major cities. And this is only phase one. Phase two? Africa. China. Europe. The U.S.

In Mbah’s own words:

“We are not stopping.”

Keyamo, who cut the ribbon beside the governor, didn’t mince words.

“Dr. Peter Mbah is an incredible, performing governor,” he said. “Though he’s PDP and I’m APC, we must speak the truth. If he continues like this, he’ll be very difficult to defeat in 2027. We’re already afraid.”

But the fanfare wasn’t just about politics, it was about purpose. For Governor Mbah, Enugu Air is a symbol of more than state pride.

It is a tool for development, job creation, connectivity, and investment.

“This airline isn’t just about flying,” he said. “It’s about opening Enugu to the world, creating faster, more reliable access to markets, clients, and capital. It’s a gateway to opportunity.”

The airline will be run by XEJet, a fully Nigerian-owned aviation company that already manages the national carrier for Sierra Leone. Their partnership, praised by the Minister as “a model for the Renewed Hope Agenda,” represents what Mbah calls “private-sector energy for public good.”

Beyond the airline, Mbah has plans for the airport itself. Even before Enugu Air took off, he approached the federal government about involving private investment in the management of Akanu Ibiam International Airport.

“He wasn’t content to wait for bureaucracy,” Keyamo said. “He wants Enugu’s airport to match global standards, and he’s making it happen.”

The event drew a wave of dignitaries, stakeholders, and citizens, each drawn by the rare blend of vision and velocity that has become the Mbah signature.

Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, MD of Fidelity Bank, and Engr. Ayuba Emmanuel, CEO of XEJet, called the governor “a courageous, visionary leader,” pledging their continued support.

In a final flourish, the skies above Enugu filled with the roar of engines and the cheers of hopeful citizens. For many, it was a spectacle. For the governor, it was the start of something far more enduring.

“This is not the end,” Mbah said with a confident smile. “This is just the takeoff.”

The post Wings of Vision: How Governor Mbah’s Dream Took Flight with Enugu Air appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

In a statement available to Techeconomy, the company expressed dismayed by the sudden order issued “made without warning or consultation.

Arik Air said it has serious repercussions for its valued passengers, dedicated employees, and the broader Nigerian economy.

“Our priority has always been to connect people and facilitate commerce, especially on critical domestic routes. The grounding of our fleet disrupts these vital services, leaving passengers stranded and inflating already high travel costs. This decision hurts everyday Nigerians who rely on our flights for business, family, and essential activities.

“The decision also disregards ongoing judicial processes. On February 26, 2016, a judgment was made in favor of Atlas Petroleum International Limited and Engineer Arthur Eze.

“However, there is an ongoing case in the Federal High Court, where Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) is asserting its secured interest in Arik’s assets.

“Despite this, a writ of attachment was issued on July 18, 2024, targeting our Aircraft, subsequent to which, further to an originating motion filed by AMCON, the High Court of the FCT on July 25, 2024 clearly instructed all parties to maintain status quo. We therefore are perplexed as to the grounding of our fleet, which is an overreach of the ongoing judicial processes and directives of court.

“We believe this action undermines the rule of law and sets a dangerous precedent, prioritizing unsecured private interests over the public good and the rights of secured creditors. We are committed to following the legal process and have full faith in the judiciary to resolve these matters fairly.

“Arik Air has always been a proud partner in Nigeria’s growth, providing reliable and safe air travel. We urge the authorities to reconsider this decision, lift the grounding order, and allow us to continue serving the public and supporting the economy.

“We stand with our passengers and employees during this challenging time and are working tirelessly to resolve this situation. Your support and understanding are greatly appreciated.

“We sincerely regret any inconvenience caused to our esteemed passengers”, the statement reads.

The post Arik Air Shocked by Minister’s Order to Ground Fleet appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The decision was raised as a matter of urgent national importance, by representative Jesse Onuakalusi, at a sitting on Tuesday.

The Reps members also raised an alarm over safety at airports across the country, due to alleged employment of incompetent personnel.

Raised as a matter of urgent national importance, it is asking Festus Keyamo, the minister of Aviation, to carry out a comprehensive audit of all airport personnel.

The House also wants an audit of all contractors engaged in the last year. Part of the resolution reached, was for Keyamo to appear before the aviation committee of the house within seven days.

The development comes after the Civil Aviation Authority in the United Kingdom, reported local airline operator, Air Peace to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), over the airline’s alleged non-compliance with some safety regulations in the UK.

Michael Achimugu, a spokesman for the NCAA, told Channels Television on Monday that the regulator received some complaints from its British counterpart over Air Peace operations at the Gatwick Airport in London.

Achimugu said, the safety concerns were raised during a ramp inspection by UKCAA. It was learnt that two mandatory occurrence reports on Air Peace were sent to the UKCAA which subsequently forwarded the complaints to its Nigerian counterpart.

The NCAA spokesman noted that, the authority has written Air Peace to clarify the issues raised about its operations at Gatwick.

Achimugu stressed that the complaints raised by the UKCAA fell under less serious categories of violations and not the Level 1 category which is for serious safety non-compliance.

“The complaints do not mean that the airline can no longer operate at the Gatwick airport. The NCAA has communicated the complaints to the airline. Investigation is ongoing,” he said.

When contacted, Stanley Olisa, Air Peace Spokesman, said the airline would officially respond to the complaints. He subsequently sent our correspondent the airline’s official statement on the matter.

“We can confirm that the UK Civil Aviation Authority wrote to Air Peace, after their statutory Ramp Inspection on April 7, 2024, to request clarification on our use of the Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) and some other concerns,”

The statement partly read. “We provided the necessary information, and the matter was resolved without any issues.” “It is, therefore, wrong to say we do not have approval for our EFB. Air Peace received approval from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and all our Boeing 777 aircraft are certified to operate with EFBs.”

The airline further said,

“Regarding the claim that our B777 aircraft lack iPad mounts and charging ports in the flight deck, this is incorrect. All B777 aircraft are equipped with charging ports in the cockpit, and we ensure that all our B777 aircraft have iPad mounts.

“Another issue raised by the UK CAA was the location of our cockpit library on the B777. The B777 designates two locations for storing manuals and books: one behind the captain and one under the jumpseat. During the inspection, the books were stored under the jumpseat, as it is commonly practised.

“We understand the inspector’s preference for the books to be placed behind the captain and have ensured this preference is accommodated for all operations going forward.

“There was also a concern about the captain’s choice of runway exit after landing. Instead of exiting at the middle runway exit, the captain, out of his professional discretion, opted to exit at the end of the runway. This may have delayed the arrival of another aircraft. We acknowledge this deviation and have addressed the matter with the captain to ensure adherence to preferred exit procedures in the future.”

Air Peace said its safety record assured passengers of its commitment to safety and full compliance.

On March 30, 2024, Air Peace reciprocated the lopsided Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and the United Kingdom when the local airline began direct flight operations from Lagos to Gatwick Airport in London.

On April 25, 2024, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo approved the airline to add Abuja to its London route.

The development has been applauded by many industry observers, with more local airlines being encouraged to commence international flights to profitable routes.

The price of an international flight ticket on the Lagos-London route was as high as N3.5 million, but with Air Peace pegging a return economy class ticket for N1.2 million, foreign airlines such as British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and Qatar Airways have been forced to slash their prices to stay competitive.

The entrance of Air Peace on the London route has sparked a price war, with foreign carriers now under pricing to stay in business.

Air Peace Chairman Allen Onyema had slammed foreign carriers for a “devilish conspiracy” to frustrate the airline out of the route.

The post Air Peace: Reps Calls for Urgent Audit of Airport Personnel appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

The Air Peace boss in an interview with Channels shared on App X, said that ‘taking Air Peace off’ will make Nigeria pay 20 times over for flight tickets.

Onyema recounted his experience in the groundbreaking Air Peace Lagos to London flight, the associated challenges, and the support from the federal government of Nigeria.

Recall that Techeconomy reported Air Peace’s commencement of services on Lagos-London route after it announced plans to begin direct flight operations on March 10, 2024, during a pre-launch forum organized by the airline in February.

Present at the inaugural flight to London is the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo; Doris Uzoka-Anita, among others.

Speaking further, Onyema, the Ananmbra born lawyer turn businessman, while  unraveling the details surrounding the operation of the Airline,  noted that there is the devilish conspiracy from the international Airlines, which as in less than one month begin to splash their price in a way that is lower than the cost of  operation.

In his words: It’s a devilish conspiracy; all of a sudden airlines are underpricing that is below the cost of operation in not more than one month.  One other airlines was advertising $100, another one is $350.

“If you filled up the entire Aircraft and carry people on the wind it is not even enough to buy your fuel so why I they even doing that?  Their governments are supporting them because Nigeria has been cash out for everybody.

According to him, the Governments of those Airlines support them because they want to take   Air Peace out and the moment they succeed in taking Air Peace out, Nigerians will pay 20times over once again, it is going to happen, God forbid if they take Air Peace out.

While narrating the challenge he is faced with in the industry, particularly as it has to do with the newly launched Lagos to London direct flight.

He said “let me tell you this, on the first day, that is the inaugural flight out of London, 24 hours to the time, they moved us to another checking area other than the place assigned to us, the place they gave us, the carousel was not walking so when you check in people, you need to manually carry the load, which is 50meters away somewhere else to go and drop them just to delay us.

“No  other airline faces that, they did not allow us  to land at Heathrow Airport,  even  when we to Gatwick Airport  they say no slot  is available, when we push and push they gave us scattered slot, today 3:Pm , the next day 2:am who does that?

Onyema was how however  grateful to the Federal Government of Nigeria,  and the Festus Keyamo, the minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development who came to the succour of the Air Peace.

According to him, Festus Keyamo had to wade in, went to London with us and to warn them, that if they continue the foolish act, the government of Nigeria will retaliate and this is from the President of the federal Republic of Nigeria.

It is important to note that , with Air Peace’s entry into London Gatwick, not only will the country be saved scarce foreign exchange, but her citizens will benefit from reduced airfares, avoid exploitation by foreign airlines, and benefit from direct flights into the United Kingdom and other parts of the world where that is Possible

The post Foreign Airlines have Declared Price War on Air Peace, Allen Onyema Cries Out appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.

Air Peace which operated a Boeing 777 for the maiden flight, held a brief ceremony at the Muhammed International Airport (New Terminal) to celebrate the occasion.

Aside the duo of Festus Keyamo, the Minister of aviation and aerospace development, Doris Uzoka-Anite, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, who were present.

Chris Najomo, acting director, general, NCAA among other important dignatries were also present. As  many Nigerians also  expressed excitement as Air Peace on Saturday operated full flight to London.

The elated passengers on the Air Peace flight to London said the flight is a much-awaited one and signals a new dawn in Nigeria’s travel industry.

Meanwhile, Doris Uzoka-Anite, the minister of Industry, Trade and Investment described the feat by Air Peace as the convergence of innovation, determination, and the unwavering commitment to excellence.

Uzoka-Anite said today, Nigeria is celebrating more than just a flight; but the ingenuity of Nigerians.

“Nigeria has needed a local airline flying directly to the UK for a number of years. Air Peace proudly wears the badge of ‘Made in Nigeria.’ It is a symbol of our collective effort to showcase our capabilities to the world. From the skilled hands that maintain the aircraft to the warm smiles of the cabin crew, every aspect of Air Peace reflects the spirit of our nation,” she said.

“Let us reflect on the economic impact of this flight. Air Peace’s presence in London is not merely about arrivals and departures; it is about trade, investment, and collaboration.

“By choosing Air Peace, you choose to invest in Nigeria. You choose to empower local businesses, create jobs, and strengthen our economy. In December 2023, the UK exported £185 million to Nigeria and imported £154 million, resulting in a negative trade balance of £30.8 million. This is a trend we wish to change in Nigeria’s favour and an additional trade route is a major step in the right direction.”

She added that the choice of Nigerians to fly with Air Peace is a vote of confidence, adding that the airline has a commendable safety record, holding a 7 out of 7 safety rating according to Airline Ratings and has successfully undergone the International Air Transport Association Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification four times, signifying its commitment to rigorous safety standards.

“So I entreat all potential passengers to trust them to carry you safely across continents, and remember that you are part of a movement—a movement that encourages Nigerians to patronize their own. Let us be ambassadors in the skies, sharing stories of our rich heritage, our vibrant culture, and the warmth that defines us,” Uzoka-Anite added.

The post Keyamo, Others Excited at Air Peace first London flight  appeared first on Tech | Business | Economy.