Air Peace and its Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Allen Onyema, emerged as the outstanding winners at the maiden Nigeria International air show, which took place from 2 to 4 December 2025 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. Their recognition at the air show demonstrated the airline’s rising influence, its strategic vision, and its increasing presence across West and Central Africa. The honours also underscored a defining moment for Nigerian aviation as national operators continued to regain global confidence.
The three-day air show attracted government officials, local and international aviation leaders, and industry observers eager to assess the progress of Nigerian carriers. During the event, Air Peace received the coveted Airline of the Year award, while Dr Onyema was honoured as Aviation Executive of the Year. Together, these achievements reflected a remarkable year defined by growth, innovation, and strong leadership within Africa’s fast-changing aviation environment.
Air Peace Named Airline of the Year at the Air Show
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, presented the Airline of the Year award to Air Peace. The recognition affirmed the airline’s steady rise from its founding in 2014 to becoming the largest airline in West and Central Africa. The award also reinforced the role of the air show as a platform that celebrates operational excellence and highlights strategic progress within the industry.
Air Peace has built its success through careful fleet expansion and consistent route development. The airline evolved from operating Dornier 328s and Boeing 737s to deploying wide-body Boeing 777 aircraft and the modern Embraer 195-E2. Therefore, its fleet now supports domestic, regional, and international growth with improved efficiency and increased capacity. The air show helped spotlight these milestones by showcasing the airline’s commitment to modern aviation standards.
In 2024, the carrier entered the European market with its Lagos-London Gatwick service. That achievement drew global attention and strengthened Nigeria’s presence on established long-haul routes. Meanwhile, Air Peace expanded further in late 2025 when it inaugurated the first direct Abuja-London Heathrow service operated by a Nigerian airline. This development confirmed the airline’s ambition to become globally competitive while maintaining strong national identity.
These strategic moves, highlighted during the air show, demonstrated Air Peace’s focus on connectivity, safety, and national pride. The Airline of the Year award reinforced its status as a carrier capable of reshaping Nigeria’s reputation within the global aviation community.
Onyema Wins Aviation Executive of the Year at the Air Show
The recognition extended to the airline’s leadership when the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr Yakubu Adam Kofamata, presented Dr Allen Onyema with the Aviation Executive of the Year award. His honour at the air show reflected a leadership style defined by bold decisions, strategic innovation, and deep commitment to national development.
Under his direction, Air Peace has moved far beyond a typical start-up airline. It has become a national asset that provides thousands of jobs, links underserved cities, and competes with global carriers on demanding long-haul routes. In addition, Onyema has consistently prioritised safety, fleet modernisation, and crew development, ensuring that Nigerian aviation remains resilient and forward-looking.
His ambition to restore Nigeria’s long-haul relevance has been especially significant. Through his leadership, Air Peace revived direct flights between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, first through Lagos-London Gatwick and later through the pioneering Abuja-London Heathrow route. The air show highlighted these achievements and recognised Onyema as a visionary who has helped define a path of growth for indigenous carriers.
Meanwhile, his award reflected a wider impact on public perception, as Air Peace continues to demonstrate that Nigerian operators can meet global standards and uphold strong commercial and operational integrity. The air show affirmed Onyema’s reputation as a leader who embraces innovation and rejects gradual, slow-paced progress in favour of bold, transformative goals.
A Defining Moment for Nigeria’s Aviation Future
The double celebration at the maiden Nigeria International air show marked a new chapter for Air Peace and its leadership. It also signalled a broader shift in Nigeria’s aviation narrative, with local carriers strengthening capacity and expanding globally. As Air Peace increases its fleet, grows its international routes, and deepens regional operations, the awards suggest that even greater progress lies ahead.
With the momentum from the air show, Air Peace stands firmly as a continental powerhouse, and Dr Allen Onyema remains the driving force behind its ascent. Nigerian aviation continues to evolve, and the achievements celebrated during the air show represent a promise of stronger global relevance for the nation’s airlines.
