Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest carrier, has taken delivery of its fourth Boeing 777-200ER aircraft as part of a bold international expansion drive aimed at strengthening its capacity on key long-haul routes and making global travel more affordable for Nigerians.
The aircraft, registered 5N-CEG, touched down at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Friday, August 22, at 3:32 p.m. after a ferry flight from Teruel, Spain. It was welcomed with a ceremonial water-cannon salute and a grand reception led by Chairman Dr. Allen Onyema, alongside Executive Director Obinna Onyema, Chief Operating Officer Oluwatoyin Olajide, and other senior executives.
Configured with 312 seats, including 26 Business Class and 286 Economy seats, the Boeing 777 offers passengers enhanced comfort and service. Business Class features full-flat seating and upgraded entertainment, while Economy passengers benefit from improved legroom and modern cabin amenities.
Dr. Onyema described the acquisition as a strategic milestone in the airline’s growth trajectory, emphasizing its role in easing access to international travel. “Foreign airlines have exploited Nigerians for far too long with exorbitant fares. Air Peace is determined to change that narrative by providing competitive pricing and world-class service,” he said.
The new widebody will be deployed within two months on long-haul flights from Abuja to London’s Heathrow and Gatwick airports, consolidating Air Peace’s grip on the lucrative UK route. The carrier also plans to expand further into Europe, open new routes to São Paulo, Brazil, and deepen its Caribbean presence with services to Antigua and Barbuda as well as St. Kitts and Nevis.
Industry watchers say the move positions Air Peace as a dominant force in West and Central Africa’s aviation market, with a growing fleet that underscores Nigeria’s potential as a regional hub. Onyema also reiterated calls for Nigeria to develop an efficient hub system to support connectivity across Africa and beyond.
He praised President Bola Tinubu for his supportive stance toward indigenous airlines and commended Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo for policies that empower Nigerian carriers to compete effectively with foreign rivals. “These policies are creating the enabling environment for us to grow and place Nigeria firmly on the global aviation map,” Onyema said.
The arrival of the fourth Boeing 777, the airline noted, reflects its commitment to building a strong global footprint while offering Nigerians affordable and direct access to international destinations.
