Last week’s Aviation Africa summit saw Nigeria-based Air Peace agree a firm order for five Embraer E175 aircraft, valued at US$288.3 million. The acquisition is in line with the West African carriers plans to enhance domestic connectivity and pave the way for further regional expansion. It is also part of Air Peace’s determination to become the operator of the largest and youngest fleet of aircraft in Africa.
Deliveries of the 88 seat aircraft will start in 2024.
“This is another important step in helping to realise 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,” said Air Peace CEO and Chairman, Allen Onyema. “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.”
Meanwhile, Stephan Hannemann, VP Sales & Marketing, Head of Africa and Middle East Region, Commercial Aviation, added: “Air Peace’s strategic and innovative approach continues to make them a powerhouse of aviation success in West Africa.”
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 with plans to open a dedicated facility in the West African country.
