The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Allen Onyema

  • On Allen Onyema’s massive expansion

    On Allen Onyema’s massive expansion

    Barr. Dr. Allen Ifechukwu Onyema is not only a visionary leader but also a master strategist in the aviation industry. His deep understanding of the aviation business is remarkable; he knows the intricacies of the industry as well as he knows the back of his hand. Many often wonder why he prioritizes national interest over maximizing profits. Onyema is candid about his motivations, patriotism is at the core of his mission. His dream is to position Nigeria as a leading aviation hub in Africa, offering travelers a wealth of options and fair pricing, while ensuring that they receive significant value for every naira spent on air travel.

    His commitment extends beyond mere words; he has taken decisive action to elevate Nigeria’s standing in the global aviation landscape. Despite facing numerous challenges, including backlash and intense scrutiny some of which seems to be fueled by those threatened by Air Peace’s growing influence, Onyema remains steadfast in his pursuit of excellence for Nigeria. His resolve has begun to yield fruit, as he is now garnering essential support from various stakeholders.

    Recently, Air Peace introduced a new service frequency from Abuja to Heathrow, London, as well as from Lagos to Gatwick. This strategic move is designed to enhance market share and provide Nigerians with more convenient travel options. To further cement his hold on regional aviation, Air Peace has announced a significant operational shift, transitioning all regional flights from nighttime to daytime scheduling. This initiative, set to commence on February 2, 2026, aims to improve passenger convenience, reduce travel disruptions, and facilitate smoother connections across the airline’s network.

    Aviation experts anticipate that this new schedule will be a game-changer, enhancing the overall travel experience for passengers. Air Peace has also indicated plans to expand its routes across Africa, targeting key destinations such as Douala, Libreville, Kinshasa, Conakry, Bamako, and Johannesburg by the end of the first quarter of 2026. This expansion will extend the airline’s reach into West, Central, and Southern Africa.

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    By implementing daytime services, Air Peace aims to offer schedules that align more effectively with domestic, regional, and long-haul flights, particularly through its bustling Lagos hub. The goal is not just to increase air traffic but to provide travelers with greater predictability in their travel itineraries, thereby minimizing interruptions.

    Allen Onyema is confident that the revamped timetable will invigorate competition among regional and international airlines operating from Lagos. In doing so, it will fortify the connections between Nigeria and vital African markets, bolster travel schedules for business professionals and government officials, and enhance leisure travel opportunities across West and Central Africa.

    Currently, Air Peace boasts a fleet of 32 aircraft, which includes Boeing 737s, Boeing 777s, and Embraer jets. With eight additional aircraft on order, the total fleet is projected to reach 40. As the largest airline in Nigeria and West Africa, Air Peace ranks among the top carriers in sub-Saharan Africa, solidifying its position as a pivotal player in the region’s aviation sector.

  • Domestic airlines will crumble if new tax law is implemented, says Onyema

    Domestic airlines will crumble if new tax law is implemented, says Onyema

    The Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Allen Onyema has said domestic airlines operating in Nigeria will crumble if the proposed tax law scheduled to take effect from January 1, 2026, is implemented.

    Onyema said the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) will engage with President Bola Tinubu and the National Assembly to explore ways of managing tax laws.

    Speaking in Abuja on yesterday on behalf of the Airline Operators of Nigeria at the 100-year celebration of Aviation in Nigeria, Onyema said: “We are going to meet members of the National Assembly very soon, together with our minister to discuss the issues of taxation that are supposed to come into effect on January 1, 2026, as it affects the airlines. Because if it is allowed to stand, all of us will crumble.

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    But I know Mr. President will listen to our cries and do the needful.”

    On how the aviation industry has fared, Onyema said “I want to pay my respect to the zonal and national leaders. Nigeria has never, ever enjoyed the kind of support we are having today in the aviation industry. Please think back to the years before now and compare what we are getting today as airlines.

    “We are the ones who truly bear the burden as airlines. We are the ones to tell the story, whether it is good or bad, and no other person can tell it better than the airlines. And here, I represent not just a piece of us; I represent the entire AON as one of their leaders. And when we speak, we speak without fear. We are not afraid to criticise when necessary. We are not afraid to stand up against anything when necessary. And when we must applaud and commend, we do so with equal vigour.

    “And today, I want to celebrate our President, and I really do not care whose ox is gored, because this President has helped the aviation industry with the kind of appointment he made. I remember when I met him in the Villa, I told him several times, clearly enough for him to hear and understand that someday, Mr. President, you will thank God Almighty for allowing you to appoint Mr. Keyamo to this position.

    “Our industry was almost dead. Nigerian airlines were suffering under a demonised status. We were all demonised as not being effective. We were all demonised as lacking capacity. We were all demonised as if nothing good could come out of us. Nobody had faith in us. The country was made to see us as a very hopeless sector

    “Now we have a change the minister has decided that every day of his life, he is out there trying to improve the airlines.”

    The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said the award was in recognition of the contributions of so many people in the past in shaping the aviation industry.

    He said: “We thought it fit to honour all the veterans who had held this industry, who had suffered for this industry, who had worked hard to build this industry before we got here. The aeronautic engineers, captains, sky caterers; those who have catered for those flying for us for many years, we honour all of them today.

     “We also want to apologise to those we may have omitted; we are not perfect. There are other heroes beyond this list. We’re trying to manage this to 40, but at the end of the day, we still feel we have to have 47 or so, because by the time we published the first list, we realised that so many others were also omitted. So this is a general shout-out to all those who were not mentioned at some other time; we are going to mention them again.

    Some of the awardees are: Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, founder of Okada Air; Late Alhaji Ahmadu Dan Kabo, founder of Kabo Air; Capt Robert Hayes, Nigeria’s first certified pilot; Chief Mbazulike Amechi, former Minister of Aviation and instrumental in establishing Nigerian Airways; Chief Allen Ifechukwu Onyema, Air Peace founder, promoted local content and invested in Nigerian youths’ training; Dr Emmanuel Enekwechi, contributed to the aviation industry’s growth; Capt. August Okpe, founder and CEO of Okpe Aviation Services, Nigeria’s first indigenous aviation engineering company.

    Others include: Capt Ado Sanusi, Chief Wale Babalakin, Sir Joseph Arumemi, Olumuyiwa Bernard Aliu, Capt. Dele Ore, Capt Wale Makinde, Capt. Ibrahim Mshella, Capt Dapo Olumide, Ms Bimbo Sosina, Capt.Benoni Briggs, Mrs Deola Olukunle, Dr Thomas Ogunbangbe, Capt. Edward Boyo, Dr Gbenga Olowo, Elder Dr Soji Amusan, Engr Awogbemi Clement, Sen Musa Adede, Georg Eder Mba, Capt. Prex Porbeni, Capt. Chinyere Kali, Harold Demure, Akin Olateru, Capt. Felix Iheanacho, and Capt.Peter Adenihun, among others.

  • Allen Onyema strikes gold

    Allen Onyema strikes gold

    Chief Allen Ifechukwi Onyema, the visionary Chairman of Air Peace, is not only harvesting the fruits of his labor after years of dedication but is also fulfilling his aspirations within the aviation industry. Since entering the aviation business in 2014, his primary mission has been to redefine the landscape of air travel in Nigeria. He aimed to prioritize the needs of Nigerian travelers, foster a healthy competitive environment, provide exceptional service, and elevate the Nigerian flag high across numerous destinations both within and beyond Africa.

    Armed with insights gained from the failures of prior airlines, Onyema set out to create a stronger and more resilient company. What distinguishes him is his unwavering passion for Nigeria—a commitment that resonates deeply with customers. Despite not maximizing profits at every turn, he has remained steadfast in his mission, consistently giving back to the country during times of need. This dedication has earned trust and loyalty from countless passengers, contributing to the significant patronage Air Peace enjoys today.

    Remarkably, Onyema is not one to shy away from recognizing the achievements of the current administration in enhancing the aviation sector. He appreciates initiatives such as the opening of new international routes, reductions in taxes on aviation components, and the enactment of Bilateral Air Services Agreements (BASA) with various countries. These measures have not only bolstered business for airline operators but have also paved the way for improved global standing for Nigerian airlines, including the reinstatement of airlines removed from the blacklist and the rebuilding of investor confidence in aircraft provisions.

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    In a climate where detractors may seek to undermine these advancements, Onyema stands firm, reinforcing his commitment to integrity. A notable incident on July 13th highlighted this resolve when his pilots were wrongly accused of substance abuse. Onyema promptly refuted these allegations, asserting that Air Peace adheres to all global aviation standards. His stance proved prescient when the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) report was discredited by a Senate committee for its glaring inconsistencies, further validating his defense.

    Despite facing numerous challenges, Air Peace achieved a significant milestone with its inaugural flight from Abuja to London’s bustling Heathrow Airport. This moment underscores Onyema’s relentless dedication and the recognition his efforts have garnered. The direct flight from Abuja complements the existing service from Lagos to London Gatwick, which is experiencing rapid sales growth and intensifying competition in the market.

    Looking forward, Onyema believes that the journey is far from over. He envisions a future where Nigeria and its airlines can further increase their flight frequencies to destinations around the globe while continuing to deliver top-notch service to Nigerian travelers. Through determination and resilience, Allen Onyema is not only reshaping the aviation sector but also contributing to the international profile of Nigeria.

  • Fed Govt’s policies unlock aircraft dry leasing opportunities, says Onyema

    Fed Govt’s policies unlock aircraft dry leasing opportunities, says Onyema

    The policies of the Federal Government has unlocked opportunities for aircraft dry leasing, Chairman of Air Peace Limited, Dr Allen Onyema disclosed yesterday.

    Onyema , also highlighted the intervention brought into the aviation industry during the administration of President Bola Tinubu saying indigenous carriers can now explore opportunities for dry leasing of aircraft, a feat that was not possible about a decade ago due to blacklisting of the country by global lessors.

    With the new window facilitated by the Tinubu administration with the implementation of the Cape Town Convention Practice, Onyema said Nigerian carriers can now compete with their foreign counterparts, a development he said continues to excite players in the air transport space.

    He disclosed this yesterday while briefing the press at the Lagos office of the airline. He said the window for dry leasing of aircraft for local operators will not only conserve foreign exchange for the country, but will also assist in bringing about considerable reduction in air fares.

    The Air Peace airline boss also commended the President Tinubu administration for assisting aviation authorities in providing equipment for birds wildlife control at airports across the country , affirming that there other interventions initiated by the government to make the operating environment for indigenous carriers more conducive.

    Onyema said: “President Tinubu is a detrabilised leader , who listens to airline  operators and other indigenous business investors on how to grow the country’s economy.

    He has open ears to listen to everyone.

    This is the attraction I have for him, the reason I appreciate his leadership. President Tinubu is making use of the diversity of talents, expertise to deepen governance. Tinubu is deliberate in promoting oneness and unity of the country , especially those who deploy their  resources to create jobs for Nigerians .This is the reason I appreciate Tinubu, so we must support our own.

    “Tinubu’s administration has brought about the ease of doing business, indigenous airlines are enjoying during his tenure, through the interventions put in place by the Ministry of Aviation. We thank the President for bringing Festus Keyamo to the aviation sector, and the administration has done well  for the aviation industry. Tinubu’s administration has stepped out to assist indigenous airlines, so much so that Nigeria is beginning to have opportunities for aircraft dry leasing; this has not happened in the last ten years , when Nigeria was blacklisted . The interventions brought about by the Tinubu administration is changing the perception of the global community about Nigeria. That is the reason we will continue to support the Tinubu administration to drive the growth of air transportation in Nigeria.”

    He, however , said the Federal Government could do more by providing transit  facilities at airports to connect regional and international flights.

    He said : “This will assist to streamline our operations to reduce check – in bottlenecks and serve as a feeder for our operations. This will boost duty free activities and generate more revenue.

    Meanwhile, Air Peace has announced the commencement of Abuja to Heathrow Airport in London on Oct. 26 after receiving approval from the British authority. Onyema disclosed that the grant was as a result of the confidence the international aviation community has in the airline. He also announced that before the end of year, the airline would add Congo, Garbon and Brazzaville to its schedule.

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    The airline boss assured increased fleet capacity of Boeing 777, wide bodied aircraft acquisition as a result of the dry lease financing, among other new aircraft to match the schedules.

    On flight delays and cancellations, Onyema said 94 per cent were not caused by the airline but external forces.

    He identified the causes as: weather, infrastructure, bird strikes, inadequate landing equipment, sunset airports, unruly passengers, animal strikes, among others.

    He explained that “in the last five years, we recorded 100 bird strikes; this year alone, over 30 bird strikes, these strikes will affect other flights scheduled for that day.

    “We do not cancel for the fun of it, we cancel when necessary”, he said.

    Onyema noted that the airline has international validations because of its safety measures.

    He also announced that the airline would restart China routes soon, as well as other regional and international routes.

    He commended President Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for ensuring ease of doing business in the industry.

    He added that “the sector had never had it so good, as Nigeria would soon take delivery of dry lease aircraft as a result of the doggedness of the minister.”

    He expressed the hope that Nigerians would patronise and support the airline.

  • Onyema hails Tinubu’s aviation reforms, says Nigerian Airlines can now access dry leasing opportunities

    Onyema hails Tinubu’s aviation reforms, says Nigerian Airlines can now access dry leasing opportunities

    Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace Limited, Dr. Allen Onyema, has applauded the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for transformative interventions in the aviation sector, particularly the facilitation of dry leasing opportunities for indigenous carriers.

    Speaking during a press briefing at the airline’s Lagos office on Wednesday, Onyema highlighted that, for the first time in over a decade, Nigerian airlines can now access dry leasing arrangements—thanks to the implementation of the Cape Town Convention Practice under Tinubu’s administration.

    This, he said, has lifted the previous blacklist imposed on Nigeria by global lessors.

    “This development has opened a new window for local operators to acquire aircraft through dry lease arrangements, something that was not possible before,” Onyema stated. “It allows Nigerian carriers to compete on a more level playing field with foreign airlines, conserves foreign exchange, and is expected to drive a reduction in airfares.”

    He also praised the federal government’s support in providing modern bird and wildlife control equipment at airports nationwide—an important safety measure that he said will enhance flight operations.

    According to Onyema, these and other ongoing reforms are already creating a more conducive operating environment for indigenous airlines, signalling renewed confidence in the Nigerian aviation industry.

    Onyema said, “President Tinubu is a detribalized leader who listens to airline operators and other indigenous business investors on how to grow the country’s economy. He has open ears to listen to everyone. This is the attraction I have for him, the reason I appreciate his leadership. President Tinubu is making use of the diversity of talents, expertise to deepen governance. Tinubu is deliberate in promoting oneness and unity of the country, especially those who deploy their resources to create jobs for Nigerians. This is the reason I appreciate Tinubu, so we must support our own.

    “Tinubu’s administration has brought about the ease of doing business, indigenous airlines are enjoying during his tenure, through the interventions put in place by the Ministry of Aviation. We thank the President for bringing Festus Keyamo to the aviation sector, and the administration has done well for the aviation industry. Tinubu’s administration has stepped out to assist indigenous airlines, so much so that Nigeria is beginning to have opportunities for aircraft dry leasing; this has not happened in the last ten years, when Nigeria was blacklisted. The interventions brought about by the Tinubu administration are changing the perception of the global community about Nigeria. That is the reason we will continue to support the Tinubu administration to drive the growth of air transportation in Nigeria.”

    He, however, said the Federal Government could do more by providing transit facilities at airports to connect regional and international flights.

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    He said, “This will assist in streamlining our operations to reduce check-in bottlenecks and serve as a feeder for our operations. This will boost duty-free activities and generate more revenue.

    Meanwhile, Air Peace has announced the commencement of Abuja to Heathrow Airport in London on Oct. 26 after receiving approval from the British authority.

    Onyema disclosed that the grant was a result of the confidence the international aviation community has in the airline.

    He also announced that before the end of the year, the airline would add Congo, Gabon and Brazzaville to its schedule.

    Onyema said that the flights from Abuja to London Heathrow would be four times weekly, with

    Lagos to London Gatwick three times daily.

    He also said there would be direct flights to the Caribbean, particularly Antigua, in September and later, to Barbados.

    The airline boss assured increased fleet capacity of Boeing 777, wide-bodied aircraft acquisition as a result of the dry lease financing, among other new aircraft, to match the schedules.

    According to him, the airline has 36 outrightly purchased aircraft and four on wet lease, with new aircraft expected soon.

    He assured passengers of on-time services, saying, “Since May 12, we have posted over 85 per cent on-time performance.

    “For the new Air Peace you are about to see, we assure our passengers of on-time services, and we are upgrading our Customer Service.”

    On flight delays and cancellations, Onyema said 94 per cent were not caused by the airline but external forces.

    He identified the causes as: weather, infrastructure, bird strikes, inadequate landing equipment, sunset airports, unruly passengers, animal strikes, among others.

    He explained that “in the last five years, we recorded 100 bird strikes; this year alone, over 30 bird strikes, these strikes will affect other flights scheduled for that day.

    “We do not cancel for the fun of it, we cancel when necessary”, he said.

    Onyema noted that the airline has international validations because of its safety measures.

    He also announced that the airline would restart China routes soon, as well as other regional and international routes.

    He commended President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, for ensuring ease of doing business in the industry.

    He added that “the sector had never had it so good, as Nigeria would soon take delivery of dry lease aircraft as a result of the doggedness of the minister.”

    He expressed the hope that Nigerians would patronise and support the airline.

  • Edo PDP rejects tribunal verdict, heads to Appeal Court 

    Edo PDP rejects tribunal verdict, heads to Appeal Court 

    The Edo Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected the judgment of the election petition tribunal.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Edo election tribunal, sitting in Abuja on Wednesday, upheld the election of Gov.  Okpebholo and dismissed the PDP and Asue Ighodalo’s petitions

    In a statement in Benin Dr Tony Aziegbemi, Chairman of the PDP Caretaker Committee, said that its candidate, was duly elected by the majority of the voters in the Sept.  21,2024 governorship election

    Aziegbemi said that the PDP was certain that it sufficiently proved its case before the tribunal.

    “The Edo Election Petition Tribunal has delivered its ruling on our petition, challenging the result of the governorship election held Sept. 21, 2024.

    “Although we hold the judiciary in the highest esteem as a political party and respect the judgment, we completely disagree with the decision of the tribunal.

    “We believe, without any doubt, that our candidate, in the election, was duly elected by the majority of the voters in that election.

    “We are also certain that we sufficiently proved our case before the tribunal.

    “It is on the back of this conviction that we call on all our members to quickly rise up from the ashes of this temporary setback as we take our matter to the appellate courts.

    “As firm believers in the rule of law and the ultimate superiority of right over wrong,

    ” We call on all our supporters to keep hope alive as we explore all available democratic means of enthroning the will of the people of Edo,” Aziegbemi said.

    NAN reports that the three-member panel led by Justice Wilfred Kpochi, passed its verdict in a unanimous judgement, stressing that the petitioners failed to prove its allegations of over voting and electoral non-compliance.

    The tribunal held that it was the duty of a petitioner to prove its electoral malpractice allegations against INEC, and not the other way round.

    On the petitioners’ allegations that the number of votes cast were greater than the number of registered voters in disputed polling units, the judge agreed with the defendants that the petitioners failed to present polling unit agents and presiding officers to prove it.

    The judge said it was “clear to us that the documents tendered from the bar(by the petitioners) were dumped on the tribunal without any competent witness” to substantiate the claims of over-voting and electoral non-compliance.

    “These witnesses( presented by the petitioners comprising Local Government agents and others) are total strangers,” the judge stressed.

    “The failure of the petitioners( PDP and Ighodalo) in this case to call polling unit agents and registered voters is fatal to their case,” the judge said, highlighting that eyewitness accounts were required to prove electoral non-compliance.

    The judge also faulted the PDP for dumping the BVAS machines before the tribunal without calling competent witnesses to turn them on and demonstrate its claims of overvoting.

    Subsequently, the tribunal dismissed the petitioner’s petition” for failing to prove its case against the governor’s election.(NAN)

  • Air Peace boss Onyema hails Tinubu’s policy reforms

    Air Peace boss Onyema hails Tinubu’s policy reforms

    • Says interventions stabilising businesses

    The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his efforts in implementing policies aimed at stabilising business operations across Nigeria.

    Onyema who met with President Tinubu at the State House in Abuja on Thursday, said  the President has made great strides with the ease of doing business in the aviation industry, and with the new reforms introduced by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, the Tinubu administration will stabilise the sector.

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    Onyema added that although the economy is facing turbulent times, Tinubu’s reforms will help the entire nation in the long run and he further encouraged Nigerians to support the government and indigenous investments.

    Onyema said: ” The president is a businessman and he’s trying to stabilise businesses with his policies, but people don’t realise this. Some of us in business realise what the President is trying to do. What he is trying to do is the real restructuring of the country. Many Nigerians believe that restructuring is dividing the country along regional lines, but what Tinubu is doing is the real restructuring by changing the way we do things in the country for a better result in the long run”

  • Allen Onyema celebrates consistency

    Allen Onyema celebrates consistency

    Chief Barrister Allen Ifechukwu Onyema is a golden fish that has no hiding place in the water. Ever since he decided to venture into the murky waters of business in Nigeria, shattering the glass ceiling, and challenging the status quo in the aviation business, many industry and world players that have been exploiting Nigeria have come for his head.

    Inasmuch as he is not scared to be a sacrificial lamb his quest to liberate Nigeria from the hands of those exploiting every opportunity has met huge resistance. When he ventured into the aviation business in 2014, different propaganda was shrouded around his business as people spread different misconceptions but against all odds he remained unperturbed and remained highflying in business and today he is reaping bountifully from what he sowed with tears.

    When he entered into the aviation business he became a game changer as he challenged every status quo mandating countries who take multiple frequencies from Nigeria to also reciprocate under the BASA arrangement.

    He kept expanding its fleet of aircraft and running it in line with best global practices.

    While many have tried to sabotage his efforts, he has never failed to believe in the country and also has carried out philanthropic gestures for the benefit of the nation.

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    When Air Peace started its inaugural flight from Lagos to London Gatwick Airport, that was the beginning of his ordeal as he continued to face internal and external forces who were hell-bent on denting the image he had built for years.

    Last week Friday the 25th of October, at the Eko Hotel, Victoria Island, Onyema dragged many friends and associates from all walks of life to celebrate his exploits and flying Nigeria high above the sky for 10 years.

    Onyema was thankful to all those who contributed to the success of his business as he also shared lofty plans on what the future holds for Air Peace and how he is planning to shock the world by unveiling more routes to strengthen Nigeria’s advantage and move Nigerians to their destinations upholding safety tenets. At the anniversary dinner, Davido, Kcee, Flavour were artistes that headlined the event while other captains of industries joined in sharing the joy of Air Peace at 10.

  • Allen Onyema breaks the camel’s back

    Allen Onyema breaks the camel’s back

    Mr. Allen Ifechukwu Onyema is not your regular businessman, who is in business to maximise profit.

    He believes being in business and also contributing to one’s country’s growth by putting the country first is not an herculean task as many might make it look. Hence, he wears his patriotism like a badge of honour, thanks to his large heart and undying love-cum-passion for Nigerians.

    Since his foray into the aviation business, Onyema has shown capacity and willingness to put Nigeria on the world map, flying the Nigerian flag high.

    With over a decade in the business, Onyema has continued to get better like an old wine.

    Air Peace has now become the envy of many countries across Africa, all thanks to his visionary leadership and his quest for fairness and equity.

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    While many tried to frustrate and undermine his quest to break the monopoly of giant airlines on the Lagos-London route, Onyema remained resilient and dogged, believing in his conviction that Nigeria could fly its passengers anywhere around the world with its current fleet of sophisticated aircraft.

    Many thanks to President Bola Tinubu-led administration who ensured the dream to land Air Peace in London was achieved.

    Interestingly, other airlines who said Nigerian routes were not profitable are now fighting tooth and nail to retain their hold on customers as Air Peace broke  the monopoly with cheaper prices.

    The obnoxious amount foreign airlines were charging for the six-hour flight compared to other countries has crashed, thanks to Onyema, the game changer in the business.

    Nigerians have rallied around him,  rushing to book their ticket to London. Air Peace has also put measures in place to avert any issues that might mar its  services.

  • Air Peace boss blames high airfares on internal, external conspiracies

    Air Peace boss blames high airfares on internal, external conspiracies

    Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, yesterday blamed external and internal intrigues for the previously outrageous high prices that foreign airlines were charging for international trips.

    Onyema in an interview on a national television attributed the fall of the naira to these airlines.

     He claimed that they were willing to buy dollar at any rate which put a strain on the nation’s legal tender thus contributing significantly to its decline.

     The Air Peace boss said the inaugural flight of the domestic airline from Lagos to London prompted its international counterparts to automatically crash their fares from N17 million to N5 million, despite the dollar rate remaining unchanged.

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     He said: “It was a playoff of both internal and external conspiracies.These airlines were taking into the market a lot of money, chasing dollar every day, buying at any amount. It’s no longer CBN now. They take their money from their commercial banks, go out there in the market, buying dollar at any rate and that was putting a strain on the naira.

     “Now, Air Peace did this (brought down the price) and they crashed their prices from N17 million to N5 million, the dollar did not change! They were using dollar as reason for whatever they were doing to us.

    “The dollar didn’t change overnight, yet they came down to N5 million. They’re underpricing; some are advertising $350. That’s why I’m saying, ‘Congratulations to Nigerians’ on two levels.

    “One is, you don’t have to sell your house to fly to UK anymore. Two, the dollar has come crashing.”

    Onyema further urged Nigerians to imbibe and display patriotism at all times adding, “We’ve proved that if only we’re patriotic in this country, we can all do it. It’s not for the government alone to do.”

     The nation’s leading airline recently positioned itself to take a larger chunk of the Nigeria/UK passenger market by undercutting foreign airlines by 66 percent on airfares.

     It pegged its economy class ticket at N1.2 million on the Lagos-London route, while findings showed that foreign airlines charge an average of N3.5 million for economy class tickets from Lagos to London.