Aviation is an economic lifeline, not a luxury. Strategic aviation investment lowers trade costs and attracts capital.
Those were the words of Chairman of Air Peace Limited, Dr. Allen Onyema, at the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce Members’ Evening and Induction Ceremony on September 25, 2025.
He delivered a keynote address titled “Runways to Revenue: Leveraging Aviation to Deepen Nigerian Investment Opportunities.” He was also among the inductees.
Onyema underscored the importance of aviation investment in Nigeria’s economic growth. He said aviation drives trade efficiency, reduces barriers, and creates pathways for bilateral relations. According to him, aviation’s value chain has the power to expand jobs and stimulate industries across sectors.
The Air Peace boss highlighted his airline’s ongoing investments, including the groundbreaking for Africa’s largest Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Lagos. The project will save Nigeria billions of naira in foreign exchange while creating thousands of technical and operational jobs.
He also stressed the transformative power of direct connectivity. Onyema cited Air Peace’s direct flight to Brazil, which reduced travel time from days to just seven hours compared to other airlines’ long routes. He noted that aviation thrives on innovation, boldness, and partnerships, all of which drive economic resilience.
The Air Peace chairman acknowledged Fidelity Bank for its critical role in supporting the airline at inception. He attributed countless successes to a crucial early aviation investment.
According to him, the then Managing Director of Fidelity Bank, Dr. Nnamdi Okonkwo, approved vital financing for the carrier’s first aircraft at a time when most banks avoided aviation.
“Without the boldness of Fidelity Bank at a time when no Nigerian bank wanted to touch aviation, there might not have been an Air Peace today,” Onyema declared. “The success of this airline belongs to those who stood with us in our early days when the odds were stacked against us.”
He reminded his audience that aviation remains one of the most capital-intensive industries in the world. Even long-established carriers such as British Airways and Delta depend on institutional financing. Onyema stressed that Nigeria must continue to support aviation investment to unlock opportunities for employment, trade, and tourism.
His remarks drew praise from NBCC President Prince Abimbola Olashore, who described Air Peace as “a true bridge-builder in bilateral trade.” Olashore said Air Peace’s achievements and aviation investment represent a model of how Nigerian enterprises can strengthen global partnerships.
Since launching operations in 2014, Air Peace has grown into West and Central Africa’s largest carrier. It now operates domestic, regional, and long-haul flights, including the direct Lagos-London Gatwick service.
The airline will expand further in October with the Abuja-London route, while construction of its world-class MRO facility in Lagos continues.
Industry observers note that the success story highlights the importance of collaboration between Nigerian airlines and financial institutions. Onyema’s speech reinforced the argument that banking support remains indispensable for sustainable aviation growth.
Onyema reminded the audience that Nigeria’s aviation sector holds immense potential if stakeholders, investors, and regulators work in harmony. “Aviation is not about luxury. It is about survival, trade, and opportunities,” he said. “Nigeria must see aviation as a priority for development.”
The airline’s story demonstrates how calculated risk and smart aviation investment can yield massive national dividends.
He concluded by stating that strategic aviation investment is not a mere option but the bedrock of economic transformation. He emphasized that it forges jobs, connects markets, and builds a stronger, self-reliant Nigeria. This, he declared, is an undeniable truth that must be acted upon.
