FG Approves Air Peace for Brazil Route Operations

The Nigerian government has officially designated the Air Peace Brazil route for direct passenger operations between Nigeria and Brazil. Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Maitama Tuggar revealed this during a television interview, noting the strategic benefits for both nations.

“This is part of the outcome of President Tinubu’s meeting with President Lula of Brazil,” Tuggar confirmed during the interview. He explained that Air Peace would operate passenger flights while LATAM, Brazil’s national airline, would handle cargo movement between both countries.

“Air Peace is going to be flying passengers between Nigeria and Brazil,” Tuggar said. “LATAM will manage the cargo segment.” He added, “The Brazilians have agreed. As soon as Air Peace secures a suitable aircraft, the route will be activated.”

According to him, Brazil’s civil aviation authority has signaled readiness to give LATAM immediate clearance to fly into Nigeria. “We already have Brazil’s aviation regulator on board,” he stated. “Once Air Peace is ready, LATAM starts cargo operations right away.”

The minister emphasized that the move is a direct presidential directive. “President Lula said, ‘I’m 79. Tinubu is 73. Time is not on our side.’” “President Tinubu agreed. He said, ‘Let’s not delay this. Let’s act fast.’ So, we have our marching orders,” Tuggar noted.

He stressed that this is not just another MoU but a firm bilateral aviation commitment.

“This isn’t a theoretical agreement. It is actionable. Brazil is ready. Nigeria is ready. We’re just waiting for aircraft deployment.”

The development follows an earlier visit by Brazil’s Vice President, who also serves as Minister of Trade and Investment to Nigeria.

“That visit helped deepen talks on the Green Imperative,” Tuggar explained. “It also set the tone for this aviation engagement.” The Green Imperative Initiative, he said, aims to deliver agricultural projects to every local government in Nigeria. “Brazil has invested in our agriculture, now they are investing in connectivity,” he added.

The Air Peace Brazil route is also linked to a new plan involving Embraer, Brazil’s leading aircraft manufacturer.  Tuggar disclosed that discussions were held to set up a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Nigeria.

“Embraer will work with us to establish an MRO facility here,” he said. “It will serve West and Central Africa.”

He noted that Air Peace already operates Embraer aircraft and this development will reduce maintenance costs and downtime. “Why send planes abroad when you can service them here?” he asked. “It makes sense for business and national growth.”

Air Peace has placed firm orders for 35 Embraer aircraft, including E195-E2 and E175 models.

“So far, five aircraft have been delivered,” Tuggar confirmed. “The remaining will come in batches over time.”

He added that the airline’s international vision aligns perfectly with Nigeria’s foreign policy and economic objectives. “Air Peace is not just a private carrier; it’s a national flag on international routes,” Tuggar stated.

He emphasized that the government will continue to support Nigerian airlines with viable international route access. “Reciprocity is key,” he said. “If Brazilian carriers are coming in, Nigerian carriers must go out.” Industry stakeholders see the deal as a win for both countries.

Analysts say that the Air Peace Brazil route will improve tourism, business travel, and diplomatic engagement between South America and West Africa.

In conclusion, Tuggar reaffirmed, “The time to act is now. We are not dragging feet. This is not just policy—it’s execution time.”