Air Peace's maiden Lagos to London flight lands at Gatwick Airport this morning

LEADING Nigerian airline Air Peace has successfully made its maiden Lagos to London flight when its first aircraft a Boeing 777 landed at Gatwick Airport and was received by a team of diaporans led by the acting high commissioner Ambassador Cyprian Heen.

Under the terms of the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (Basa) between the UK and Nigeria, Air Peace has just obtained the UK Third Country Operator authorisation to fly into Britain. Offering flights at just £672, which is about half of what Virgin charges, with its seats going for £1,292, Air peace is hoping to become the major courier along the busy Lagos to London route.

This morning at about 5.30am, the maiden flight landed at Gatwick, with aviation minister Festus Keyamo among the passengers. Other key passengers on the flight were Obi Cubana and Senator Andy Uba, as well as to of Allen Onyema's children and they were received by a how powered delegation upon arrival.

Leading the welcome party was Ambassador Heen and several of his high commission ministers, including the head of the welfare department Ambassador Nduka Okeke. Also on hand were Ayo Akine, the chairman of the Central Association of Nigerians in the UK, Niyi Zacheus, the chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation UK and Chief Bimbo Afolayam, the chief executive of the Nigerian Direct Diaspora Investment Summit.

Tony Ike, one of the passenger's on the flight, said: “It’s a new dawn for travellers. We are tired of exploitative fares charged by foreign carriers but Air Peace is changing the narrative to air travel with this maiden flight.

"We see that fares are gradually reducing since Air Peace announced flight to London. This is good for air travel and Nigeria."

Doris Uzoka-Anite, Nigeria's minister of industry, trade and investment, described the feat by Air Peace as the convergence of innovation, determination and the unwavering commitment to excellence. She added that the country is celebrating more than just a flight but the ingenuity of Nigerians.

Ms Uzoka-Anite added: “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, which 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. 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 £185m to Nigeria and imported £154m, resulting in a negative trade balance of £30.8m. 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.”

Other passengers on the flight said the service was brilliant, with the food being top notch. Apparently, the menu included got meat pepper soup, efo riro, egusi and an array of Nigerian delicacies.