Nigeria’s Air Peace orders five new Embraer E175s worth US$288.3m

Nigeria based Air Peace has placed a firm order for five Embraer E175 aircraft at a value of US$288.3m which deliveries will commence from 2024.

Air Peace, already  an operator of Embraer’s newest and largest jet, the E195-E2, is ordering the 88 seater aircraft which will complement the airlines’ existing fleet, allowing Air Peace to dynamically match capacity to demand, protecting yields and route viability.

According to the airline, the strategic decision marks a significant step forward and is in alignment with Air Peace’s ongoing strategy of modernising its fleet. 

This acquisition is in line with Air Peace’s determination to become the operator of the largest and youngest fleet of aircraft in Africa. 

 It also reinforces Air Peace’s commitment to enhancing its domestic and regional network connectivity and paves the way for further regional expansion. 

The Chairman and CEO of Air Peace, Mr Allen Onyema, said: “This is another important step in helping to realize our ambition to connect the whole of Nigeria with the entire African continent, while also feeding passengers into long-haul flights from our Lagos hub. 

“The acquisition enables us to continue delivering on our ‘no-city-left-behind’ initiative – connectivity is what our passengers, and Africa, demand. The deal also paves the way to establish local maintenance capabilities in Nigeria, with direct support from Embraer.” 

VP Sales & Marketing, Head of Africa & Middle East Region, Commercial Aviation Stephan Hannemann, said, “Air Peace’s strategic and innovative approach continues to make them a powerhouse of aviation success in West Africa. Already an E2 operator, it now makes sense to upgauge their ERJ145 fleet, offering passengers more seats and comfort with the E175.

The commonality of the cockpits between the E1 and E2 fleet also simplifies aircrew costs and management. Acknowledging Air Peace’s significant investment in the acquisition of the Embraer fleet of aircraft, which has increased to 18 brand new firm aircraft to date, Embraer, in partnership with Air Peace is committed to directly supporting the establishment of local maintenance capabilities in Nigeria.”