Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has held talks with the United Kingdom Department for Transport on how Air Peace can get favourable slots to operate non-stop flights to London.
Air Peace had earlier received approval to operate to Gatwick Airport in London from Lagos but was given ad-hoc slots, which were not suitable for scheduled flight services.
In a statement by the Minister’s Special Adviser on Media, Tunde Moshood, Keyamo, who held a meeting with the CEO of NORSE Atlantic Airways, Mr. Ben Boiling, emphasised the importance of fostering partnerships to sustain the viability of Nigeria’s aviation industry.
The discussions revolved around the strategic partnership between NORSE Atlantic Airways and Air Peace, a leading domestic carrier in Nigeria.
Acknowledging Air Peace’ significant presence on regional and international routes, the Minister commended the partnership with NORSE Atlantic Airways as a positive step towards enhancing connectivity and facilitating growth within the sector.
Expressing gratitude for the Minister’s involvement in the discussions, Mr. Boiling affirmed NORSE Atlantic Airways’ readiness to commence the partnership with Air Peace pending final authorisation for direct flights into Gatwick Airport from Lagos, Nigeria.
Simultaneously, officials from the Ministry and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) engaged in discussions with counterparts from the UK Department for Transport to address challenges related to slot allocation for Air Peace’ operations at Gatwick Airport. Despite acknowledging the UK government’s limited authority over slot allocation, both parties deliberated on key issues hindering the commencement of flights, including departure times, turnaround times, and the approval process for the 2024 summer schedule.
The Nigerian delegation, comprising Capt. Chris Najomo, Ag. Director General of NCAA; Mr. Hassan Ejibunu, Director of Air Transport Management at the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development; and Mrs. Olayinka Babaoye-Iriobe, Director of Air Transport Regulations at NCAA, engaged constructively with UK authorities to facilitate a resolution conducive to Air Peace’ entry into the UK market.
Stakeholders optimistic that resolutions will be reached to enable Air Peace fulfill its commitment to serving Nigerian travelers and meeting the growing demand for direct flights to the United Kingdom.