Air Peace has announced a significant milestone in the airline’s expansion plans, with the acquisition of 21 Embraer aircraft valued at $2 billion.
Chairman of the Airline, Mr. Allen Onyema, announced this in Lagos, when Air Peace Inaugural flight to Brazil landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), stating that the deal includes five Embraer E-175 and 16 E-2 jets, with five aircraft already delivered to Nigeria.
According to him, this strategic investment will strengthen connectivity, enhance cultural exchange, and boost trade between Nigeria and Brazil.
“We will lay the foundation for a modern maintenance hangar in Lagos”, Onyema stated. “Embraer will provide technical support, and within 12 to 15 months, the facility will be operational.” This development will reduce reliance on costly overseas maintenance, create skilled jobs, and improve Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure. The maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) centre will place Nigeria among aviation hubs in Africa.
Onyema praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ensuring that bilateral engagements with Brazil respect Nigeria’s sovereignty. “This is not a parasitic relationship. It is symbiotic and respects our sovereignty”, he stressed. “The Brazilians are prepared to open up their expertise for Nigeria’s use.”
The Air Peace chairman also highlighted the potential for growth in the Afro-Brazilian community, noting that over 100 million Brazilians share African heritage, which provides a natural bridge with Nigeria. He disclosed plans to meet Colombia’s Vice President to discuss possible connections.
The airline’s London route has demonstrated the impact of direct flights on transforming pricing, making air travel more affordable for Nigerians. “Before Air Peace, business class tickets to London cost ₦15 to 16 million. We entered with ₦4 million, forcing competitors to slash fares”, Onyema pointed out.
He assured that passengers on Nigeria-Brazil services would enjoy affordable pricing when operations begin in quarter four of 2025.
With the Embraer deal, Air Peace is positioning Nigeria as a major player in international aviation.
Onyema expressed pride that both President Tinubu and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva endorsed Air Peace, describing this endorsement as a historic recognition of Nigeria’s aviation potential.
“What happened in Brazil was historic. Both presidents stood with Air Peace. This is a national achievement”, Onyema stated.