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It is, indeed, celebration galore for the management and staff of Air Peace, the largest airline in Nigeria and West Africa. Having commenced business on October 24, 2014, the nation’s foremost and fast-growing airline turned 11 years on October 24, 2025. While celebrating this great milestone, the airline on Sunday, October 26, 2025, launched its maiden Abuja-Heathrow London flight with much pomp and ceremony. This is, indeed, a significant milestone in the nation’s aviation sector. In the morning of Sunday, the atmosphere at the check-in area of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport was convivial and electrifying.
It was decorated with ribbons and balloons of diverse colours of the rainbow. It was like a carnival and a bazaar combined. Immigration officers were there to carry out their duties and add colour to the event. The Abuja weather was clement and the mood joyous as travelers, guests and others trooped to the arena of the great historic event.
The attendees were given mementos to commemorate the historic event. The Chairman of Air Peace, Dr. Allen Onyema, majestically led his elegantly dressed crew to the venue. The Vice Chairman of the airline, Mrs. Alice Onyema, and Board of Directors including Chief Emeka Ngige (SAN), Mrs. Ekaette Monsuru and Benedict Adeyileka were there too. Other dignitaries who witnessed the occasion included the hardworking Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, and representative of the Vice President, the Deputy Chief of Staff, Ibrahim Hassan Hadeija, and the Chairman of United Nigeria Airline, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo.
Onyema lauded President Bola Tinubu, the government and Festus Keyamo for the great feat. According to an elated Onyema, “When Nigerian helicopter airline owners cried to the honourable minister of a certain charge, he removed it on the spot, in order to make life very simple for these airlines.” He went on to say: “It is not just about Air Peace. Unless every airline in this country speaks for what this regime has done for them, don’t keep quiet. It’s not only when the not so good things are done, that we all shout.”
The Ide Mbosi continued: “When a government is doing that which is right, let us have one of our comrades there. And let any airline who says it has not benefited from the regime of Festus Keyamo and president Bola Ahmed Tinubu, let the person stand up. Let the person show up tomorrow.” In conclusion, Ide Global said: “Never, not even once. I am a leader of the airline, and I can tell you better. So, today what we are celebrating is absolute patriotism, absolute love for one’s country.”
After Onyema, it was the turn of Festus Keyamo to speak on the great occasion. He spoke glowingly of President Tinubu’s mandate, which is to support the local airlines and ensure their survival. Keyamo went to work and delivered accurately and on time too. He made it possible that our indigenous airlines fly to London and other foreign countries. I learnt that more will soon follow suit. He went down memory lane and lamented: “I’m sure that you know that in the last 40 years or so, the mortality rate of the aviation sector has been very high. More than 100 airlines have come and gone.”
He also observed that foreign airlines from European capitals fly into the country and lift passengers daily without corresponding local operators reciprocating on these routes despite Nigeria possessing the appropriate rights under existing Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASA). According to Keyamo, “one of the major airlines on this route will be celebrating 90 years on this route in the next one month. So you can see the length of time that they have fared on the Nigerian economy. Keyamo wants this ugly narrative to change. He wants to enhance the capacity of the local airlines to fly those European capitals too. He will surely succeed.
No doubt, Allen Onyema has scored a bull’s eye with the launch of the Abuja-Heathrow inaugural flight. Two days after, it launched the Abuja-London Gatwick flight. It is a momentous occasion for the airline, customers and for all Nigerians as well. It is equally a plus for President Bola Tinubu administration for making it possible. It is also kudos to Festus Keyamo for his efforts for making this dream come true. We can recall that Air Peace commenced its Lagos-London Gatwick flight services in March 2024. It is worthy to mention too that the reception of the airline at London Heathrow Airport was also celebratory, lavish and vivacious.
It is highly commendable that the Air Peace airline which started like a small seed has grown to become an oak or in our local parlance an Iroko tree. The phenomenal growth of the airline is as a result of the diligence, resilience and ‘can do spirit’ of Dr. Allen Onyema and his committed team. There is no doubt that within eleven years of operation, Onyema has redefined the tone and texture of Nigeria’s aviation industry which has in 40 years witnessed high mortality rate. At the same time, Onyema is brimming with energy, confidence and enthusiasm to do more for the sector.
At a time people were afraid to invest in the capital-intensive sector, Onyema came to the business with great passion, grit and patriotism. His fearlessness and courageousness worked for him. He probably said yes and his chi concurred. For Onyema, Ide Mbosi, the business is not about profit alone, it is also about purpose. It is about helping people and creating jobs for Nigerians. It is about lifting Nigerians in distress in foreign lands to Nigeria for free. His philanthropy knows no bounds. He touches Nigerians with love and care. For Onyema to have survived the turbulent nature of the nation’s aviation sector for the past 11 years and counting, he should be garlanded and celebrated. He surely deserves our uncommon praise for the great feat.
