When Will Air Peace Launch Direct Lagos-São Paulo Boeing 777 Service?

Nigeria’s leading carrier, Air Peace, is moving forward with its plan to launch the first direct flight service between Nigeria and South America operated by a Nigerian airline. The proposed route connects Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport (LOS) with São Paulo’s Guarulhos International Airport (GRU).

This new service aims to significantly reduce travel time for passengers. Currently, journeys require long stopovers in Europe or the Middle East. The direct connection is seen as crucial for strengthening the growing cultural and business ties between the two nations.

Regulatory Hurdles Delay March 2026 Launch

Air Peace initially projected a March 2026 commencement date for the Nigeria Brazil direct flight. However, the airline has stressed that the launch depends on completing all mandatory aviation processes. The airline's Chairman, Dr. Allen Onyema, reinforced the expansion plan during a presidential visit to Brazil in August 2025.

The service received initial approval from the Nigerian federal government under the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) signed between Nigeria and Brazil. Despite this political endorsement, the airline confirmed that it has not announced ticket sales or a fixed start date.

International long-haul operations require extensive regulatory steps. These include final authorization from Brazil’s civil aviation authority (ANAC regulatory approval), securing airport slot allocations at São Paulo, and obtaining necessary ETOPS certifications.

Air Peace cited its London route launch as an example. That process took approximately seven years from conception to execution. The airline maintains that safety and effective preparation are paramount.

Fleet Capacity and Strategic Partnerships

Air Peace confirms it has the necessary wide-body aircraft for the route. The airline’s fleet includes four Boeing 777-200/300 service aircraft. Two of these are currently deployed on the London Heathrow and London Gatwick routes. The remaining two are on standby for new long-haul destinations, including the Air Peace Lagos São Paulo route.

This makes Air Peace the only carrier in the West African sub-region with its own wide-body fleet for transoceanic flights. The airline’s capacity is further bolstered by its relationship with Brazilian manufacturer Embraer.

• Regional Fleet: Air Peace is the first African launch customer for the Embraer E195-E2 jet. It has a firm order for 16 E195-E2s and two E175s. Deliveries of the E195-E2s are ongoing, with one more expected in 2026.
• Future Fleet: The airline also expects the arrival of its new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft in 2026, with three of the ten ordered jets projected to join the fleet this year.

Economic and Infrastructure Impact

The direct air link is expected to significantly boost economic activity. Nigeria Brazil trade volume reached an estimated $2.41 billion in 2025, according to trade data. The route will facilitate trade in key sectors like oil, agriculture, and manufacturing.

Furthermore, Air Peace and Embraer are collaborating on a major Embraer MRO facility Lagos at Murtala Muhammed International Airport. The groundbreaking for this ₦32 billion project occurred in September 2025. This facility is projected for completion by early 2027. It will provide maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for various aircraft types. This infrastructure investment will reduce the reliance of Nigerian carriers on costly offshore maintenance, bolstering the entire West African aviation expansion.

Culturally, the route serves a significant purpose. It directly connects the large Nigerian diaspora and facilitates religious pilgrimage visits to South West Nigeria for citizens of Brazil, where African traditional beliefs maintain a strong cultural presence.

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