Air Peace’s Abuja-London Heathrow service has been described as a milestone in global connectivity and a symbol of resilience and renewed partnership between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. Chief Customer Officer of Heathrow Airport, Mr. Ross Baker, who officially welcomed the airline to Heathrow Terminal 3 during a colourful launch ceremony, applauded the development and said it entrenches future cooperation built on resilience and shared progress.
Dignitaries from Nigeria and the United Kingdom, including senior government officials, diplomats, aviation regulators, business leaders, and strategic partners, attended the event. The ceremony featured goodwill messages, speeches, and a ribbon-cutting session that underscored the deepening of bilateral trade, tourism, and people-to-people ties between both nations. Baker described the moment as one that represents pride, partnership, and Nigeria’s enduring resilience.
“It is a real pleasure to welcome everyone to Heathrow for this truly exciting occasion, the launch of Air Peace’s inaugural service between London and Abuja,” Baker said. “This is more than a new route; it symbolizes a stronger, more connected future between our two nations.” He applauded Air Peace’s strategic vision, resilience, and commitment to excellence, noting that entering Heathrow, one of the world’s busiest and most competitive airports, is both bold and historic.
Baker added that Abuja is a vital destination, with nearly 140,000 passengers travelling between the United Kingdom and Nigeria last year. He emphasized that Heathrow’s partnership with Air Peace reflects a shared commitment to fostering global connectivity, enhancing passenger choice, and strengthening socio-economic ties between both countries. According to him, such collaboration underscores the resilience that defines Nigeria’s growing aviation presence.
Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo, described the launch as a triumph of Nigerian excellence and resilience. “Opening a route into one of the world’s busiest and most competitive airports is no small feat. It reaffirms our nation’s capacity to meet global aviation standards and compete effectively on the world stage,” he said. Najomo credited the Honourable Minister’s Five-Point Aviation Agenda for creating policies that help indigenous carriers thrive sustainably and strengthen national resilience.
Executive Director of Air Peace, Ms. Nnenna Onyema, hailed the occasion as a defining moment for Nigeria’s aviation industry and a powerful reaffirmation of national pride. She expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for reforms that continue to strengthen the sector, and to Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for creating an enabling environment that supports Nigerian airlines to compete fairly and demonstrate resilience in global markets.
Chief Operating Officer of Air Peace, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Olajide, described the new route as the realization of a long-cherished dream and a defining milestone in the airline’s journey. She recalled that when Air Peace began operations in 2014, its goal was to build a world-class airline Nigerians could truly call their own. “That dream has become reality. Today’s launch extends that dream from the heart of Abuja to the heart of London,” she said.
Olajide lauded the Federal Government, UK aviation authorities, and the dedicated Air Peace team for their collaboration and perseverance. She said the event reflects what can be achieved when private enterprise, national leadership, and international cooperation align. “Our promise remains clear — to operate safely, reliably, and affordably while flying Nigeria’s flag with pride,” she added, noting that teamwork and resilience have been key to the airline’s success.
Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, CON, commended Air Peace for placing Nigeria firmly back on the global aviation map. “This route between Nigeria and the United Kingdom has existed for almost 90 years, and Air Peace’s entry into Heathrow adds a proud new chapter to that history,” Keyamo said. He added that Air Peace’s success is not just a business accomplishment but a matter of national pride and resilience.
He praised the airline’s boldness, professionalism, and adherence to standards, emphasizing that the Federal Government remains committed to ensuring a level playing field for Nigerian operators worldwide. The launch, he said, proves that with vision, collaboration, and resilience, Nigerian carriers can compete globally and win.
