Allen Onyema's Air Peace Bets on Daytime Flights, New London & Africa Routes
Key Points
- 1Air Peace is shifting all regional flights to a daytime schedule starting February 2, 2026, to improve operational reliability and passenger convenience.
- 2The airline launched a new three-times-weekly direct service from Abuja (ABV) to London Heathrow (LHR) on October 26, 2025, complementing its Lagos-Gatwick route.
- 3Planned African route expansion includes Douala, Libreville, Kinshasa, Conakry, Bamako, and Johannesburg by the end of Q1 2026, boosting intra-African connectivity.
- 4The carrier operates a fleet of 32 aircraft (Boeing 737s, Boeing 777s, Embraer jets) with eight additional aircraft on order, totaling 40.
Nigerian carrier Air Peace is undertaking a massive operational and network expansion. This strategic push is led by Chairman Barr. Dr. Allen Ifechukwu Onyema. His goal is to position Nigeria as a leading aviation hub in Africa.
Strategic Network Expansion
Air Peace recently enhanced its long-haul network to the United Kingdom. The airline introduced a new direct flight service from Abuja (ABV) to London Heathrow (LHR). This new route began on October 26, 2025. It is a three-times-weekly service. The airline also added a new three-times-weekly Abuja-London Gatwick (LGW) service. This move complements the existing Lagos-Gatwick flights.
The expansion into the UK market has already had a significant impact. Air Peace's entry reportedly triggered a price war. This forced rival carriers like British Airways and Virgin Atlantic to reduce fares. The airline uses its Boeing 777 fleet for these long-haul routes.
Operational Shift and African Growth
A major operational change is set for early 2026. Air Peace will transition all regional flights from night-time to daytime flight schedule. This shift is scheduled to begin on February 2, 2026. The goal is to improve passenger convenience and operational reliability.
This new daytime flight schedule will facilitate smoother connections. It will better align regional departures with domestic and long-haul services. The airline operates from its bustling Lagos hub. This move is expected to invigorate competition among regional and international airlines.
New African Destinations
As part of its Air Peace massive expansion, the West Africa carrier plans to grow its footprint. The airline intends to launch new routes across Africa. These new services are planned before the end of the first quarter of 2026.
Targeted destinations include:
- Douala, Cameroon
- Libreville, Gabon
- Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
- Conakry, Guinea
- Bamako, Mali
- Johannesburg, South Africa
This expansion will significantly extend the airline's reach. It will cover West, Central, and Southern Africa. This strategy reinforces Air Peace's role as a key driver of intra-African trade and mobility.
Fleet and Future Outlook
Air Peace is currently the largest airline in Nigeria and West Africa. It ranks among the top carriers in sub-Saharan Africa. The airline's current fleet stands at 32 aircraft. This fleet includes Boeing 737s, Boeing 777s, and Embraer jets. With eight additional aircraft on order, the total fleet is projected to reach 40.
Chairman Onyema has consistently framed his Allen Onyema aviation strategy around national interest. He aims to offer travelers fair pricing and significant value. This commitment, despite facing challenges, is yielding results. The airline's growth is a major development for commercial aviation news in the region. [https://flying.flights]
Key Takeaway: The strategic shift to daytime regional operations and the new long-haul routes are designed to enhance Nigeria's position as a continental air travel gateway. This aggressive expansion plan strengthens the airline's competitive advantage. It also offers passengers more reliable and convenient travel options. The addition of more Boeing 777s supports the airline's global ambitions. Air Peace's expansion is a major indicator of growth in the West African aviation market.
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