Dr. Allen Onyema, Chairman, Air Peace Ltd
Nigeria’s largest carrier and West Africa’s aviation leader, Air Peace Limited, has been formally inducted into the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC).
This is just as the Chairman of Air Peace Limited, Dr. Allen Onyema, praised the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for championing the cause of Nigerian airlines in global aviation, describing the government’s intervention as pivotal in securing fair opportunities for local operators.
Speaking as guest speaker at the at NBCC Quarterly Members’ Evening and Induction Ceremony held on Thursday at the Chamber’s headquarters in Lagos, Onyema disclosed that the Nigerian government stood firmly behind Air Peace during its push for direct entry into the United Kingdom market, insisting on reciprocity in bilateral agreements.
“President Tinubu and the Honourable Minister of Aviation did everything possible to support us. The President even warned that if Air Peace was denied entry rights, there would be consequences. That bold stance made all the difference,” Onyema said.
He stressed that such government backing has enabled Nigerian carriers to challenge long-standing monopolies and deliver affordable travel options for Nigerians, citing Air Peace’s London operations which have significantly reduced fares on the Nigeria–UK corridor.
NBCC President, Prince Abimbola Olashore, praised Onyema’s candor and reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to promoting policies that align with Nigeria’s long-term economic aspirations.
Founded just over a decade ago, Air Peace has risen to become Africa’s aviation powerhouse. With more than 40 aircraft, including Boeing 777s and Embraer 195-E2s, the airline operates the most expansive network in West and Central Africa and has become Nigeria’s flag-bearer in intercontinental travel.
With the theme, “Trade Without Borders: Aviation as a Catalyst for Bilateral Growth between Nigeria and the UK,” the high-level event drew corporate leaders, investors, and policymakers.
The highlight of the evening was the induction of Air Peace into the Chamber, an honor reflecting the airline’s growing influence as a key driver of trade, tourism, and economic diplomacy between both nations.
Delivering the keynote address titled “Runways to Revenue: Leveraging Aviation to Deepen Nigerian Investment Opportunities,” Onyema spoke passionately about the role of aviation in lowering trade costs, boosting tourism, facilitating people-to-people ties, and unlocking opportunities for bilateral growth.
Continuing, Olashore commended Air Peace for “challenging the status quo in global aviation and redefining Nigeria’s trade links with the UK.”
He described the airline’s entry into the Chamber as “timely and significant for expanding mutual prosperity.”
In his remarks, Dr. Nnamdi Okonkwo, Chairman of the Membership Committee of NBCC, lauded Onyema’s leadership, recalling his pivotal role as Fidelity Bank CEO when Air Peace secured financing for its first aircraft.
“Air Peace’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and deep faith in Nigeria. Their induction into the NBCC only reinforces the Chamber’s commitment to fostering enterprises that transform bilateral trade,” Okonkwo stated.
Air Peace has, in just a decade, become the largest airline in West and Central Africa, boasting over 40 aircraft and multiple domestic, regional, and international routes, including its landmark direct Lagos–London service.
With its impending Abuja–London launch in October 2025, the airline continues to set records as a trailblazer, positioning Nigerian aviation at the heart of global connectivity.
