FG, Air Peace Celebrate Historic Arrival of Boeing 737-NG, Strengthening Nigeria’s Aviation Power
In a milestone that underscores Nigeria’s growing credibility in global aviation, Air Peace has taken delivery of its dry-leased Boeing 737-NG aircraft — a landmark collaboration with AerCap, the world’s leading aircraft leasing company. The move represents a renewed vote of confidence in Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem after nearly two decades of cautious investor engagement.
Unveiled by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), at the General Aviation Terminal, Lagos, the event marked a historic leap in fleet modernisation, industry partnerships, and air transport competitiveness.
Keyamo: “A New Dawn for Nigerian Aviation”
Describing the development as “historic and symbolic of global confidence in Nigerian aviation”, Minister Keyamo said the Air Peace–AerCap partnership signifies the rising credibility and operational excellence of Nigerian carriers.
“This partnership shows that world-class aviation institutions now trust Nigerian operators. It’s proof that our airlines can play in the global league with transparency and efficiency,” Keyamo declared.
The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening aviation regulation, bilateral air service agreements, and tax incentives to sustain growth and profitability in the sector.
“Our focus is to ensure Nigerian airlines thrive as safe, sustainable, and globally competitive entities,” he added.
Onyema: “This Is a Bold Leap for Africa’s Largest Airline”
Dr. Allen Onyema, Chairman and CEO of Air Peace, hailed the new Boeing 737-NG as “a bold leap in Nigeria’s aviation story.”
He explained that the dry-lease structure gives Air Peace operational control and ownership benefits, while drawing on AerCap’s technical and fleet management expertise.
“This is about more than expansion. It’s about positioning Nigeria as a credible aviation hub. Our partnership with AerCap demonstrates global trust, long-term vision, and shared ambition,” Onyema said.
He added that the deal would enhance route optimisation, passenger experience, and maintenance efficiency, especially across Air Peace’s growing intercontinental operations.
Fidelity Bank Backs Air Peace’s Global Expansion
Backing the milestone, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Managing Director of Fidelity Bank Plc, commended Air Peace for its governance and financial discipline — key factors in securing the international lease.
Represented by Kevin Ugwuoke, Executive Director, Risk Management, she said Nigerian banks are ready to back globally credible businesses.
“This transaction proves that when Nigerian companies align with global best practices, funding and partnerships follow naturally. Fidelity Bank is proud to have enabled this milestone,” she said.
Ireland and Nigeria: A Bridge of Aviation Trust
The Irish Ambassador to Nigeria, Peter Ryan, lauded the collaboration as “a bridge of trust between Ireland and Nigeria.”
“Ireland is the world’s aviation leasing hub. Today, Nigeria has joined that ecosystem meaningfully,” he said, noting that the partnership opens avenues for technical training, aviation finance, and knowledge exchange between both nations.
AerCap: “We Believe in Nigeria’s Aviation Future”
Gas Wavomba, AerCap’s Vice President of Leasing, said the decision to collaborate followed “extensive due diligence” and confidence in Air Peace’s leadership and compliance record.
“Air Peace represents the new face of African aviation — ambitious, reliable, and safety-driven. Our partnership reflects AerCap’s belief in Nigeria’s potential as an aviation powerhouse,” Wavomba noted.
Why This Matters: Nigeria’s Path to Global Aviation Competitiveness
The Air Peace–AerCap partnership comes at a time when Nigeria is intensifying efforts to attract foreign investment, deepen private-sector participation, and build world-class aviation capacity.
It also signals the return of long-term aircraft financing for Nigerian carriers — a key requirement for achieving the government’s Aviation Roadmap and National Aerospace Development Strategy.
The acquisition of the Boeing 737-NG strengthens Air Peace’s position as West Africa’s largest carrier, aligning with its strategy to dominate regional routes while expanding to London, Houston, Mumbai, and Johannesburg.
BRANDECONOMY INSIGHT: The Broader Impact on Nigeria’s Aviation Economy
- Boosting Investor Confidence
The partnership underscores a renewed era of foreign confidence in Nigeria’s aviation reforms, driven by improved oversight and a more transparent fiscal framework. - Catalysing Aviation Finance Ecosystem
With Fidelity Bank leading the financing structure, Nigerian lenders are positioning to participate more actively in aviation leasing, insurance, and maintenance finance, a domain long dominated by international institutions. - Positioning Nigeria as a Regional Hub
Air Peace’s expansion complements federal aviation reforms, particularly the push for multi-modal air transport integration and enhanced MRO infrastructure.
The move also strengthens Nigeria’s ambition to serve as the aerial gateway of West Africa, competing with hubs like Addis Ababa, Johannesburg, and Dubai. - Empowering Indigenous Carriers
The deal reinforces the narrative that local operators, when governed transparently, can attract global partners and disrupt the dominance of foreign airlines in Nigerian skies.
Event Attendance and Symbolism
The Lagos unveiling drew top dignitaries, including senior officials from the Federal Ministry of Aviation, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), diplomatic corps, and industry stakeholders — signaling broad-based support for Nigeria’s aviation renaissance.
The event was more than a symbolic delivery — it was a statement of intent: that Nigeria’s aviation sector is ready to compete, grow, and lead.
