The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, stated on Friday that the launch of Air Peace’s direct Lagos-London flight would alleviate pressure on the Nigerian local currency, the Naira. In a press statement released by Air Peace spokesperson, Stanley Olisa, the Aviation Minister noted that the commencement of the Lagos-London route at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos would decrease the demand for foreign exchange by Nigerians and foreign carriers. Keyamo, as mentioned in the statement, highlighted that the introduction of this route by the local airline has prompted some major carriers on the Lagos-London route to reduce their fares. Expressing his satisfaction with the outcome of the collaborative efforts made by him and others in government to facilitate the airline’s operations to London, Keyamo assured ongoing government support to safeguard Air Peace and other Nigerian carriers venturing into international services.
Moreover, Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite, lauded Air Peace’s achievement as a representation of innovation, determination, and commitment to excellence. She emphasized the economic significance of the flight and its potential impact on trade, investment, and collaboration between Nigeria and the UK. Uzoka-Anite called on Nigerians to choose Air Peace as an investment in local businesses, job creation, and economic growth. She commended the airline’s safety record and encouraged passengers to have confidence in choosing Air Peace for their travels.
Acting Director-General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Chris Najomo, stressed the necessity for the government to implement the ‘Fly Nigeria Act’ for public officials to ensure the success of indigenous airlines on international routes. He pledged the regulatory body’s unwavering support for Air Peace and other local airlines to thrive on international operations, unlike previous instances.
In response to Air Peace’s successful inaugural flight from Lagos to London on Saturday, March 30, 2024, Nigerians expressed their appreciation for the milestone achieved by the airline. Passengers onboard the flight hailed the significance of the direct route, noting its positive impact on the aviation sector in Nigeria. They praised Air Peace for providing an alternative to exploitative fares charged by foreign carriers, citing the gradual reduction in ticket prices since the announcement of flights to London as a promising development for air travel in Nigeria.
