Management of West and Central African’s leading airline, Air Peace said its operation of scheduled commercial operations between Nigeria and South Africa will consolidate the existing relationships between the two African leading economies.
The assertion was made yesterday at a meeting between the management of the airline and its trade partners in South Africa.
Acknowledging the roles of its trade partners at getting slot of passengers on the return flight to Nigeria, the airline hinted of plans to spread into other international routes including the United States, London and China.
Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Oluwatoyin Olajide who addressed the trade partners, members of Diplomatic Corp and stakeholders at the inaugural flight dinner said the non-stop flight into South Africa is a mutually benefiting venture for the two nations.
She said,”It is the exemplification and a reflection of a mutually beneficial relationship. It is an implementation of our Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) in furtherance of the progress of Nigeria and South Africa and the promotion of unity among their citizens.
“We saw an opportunity to connect both countries directly and we seized it. And we are glad this is happening as we believe both countries will benefit hugely from it in the areas of employment creation, promotion of tourism, and facilitation of a seamless movement of people, which is a prerequisite for economic development, and other forms of value to be created along the chain.”
She explained to the partners that Air Peace has a commitment to reduce the air travel burden of Africans by employing dynamics that are peculiar to the African people.
“Air Peace is reputed for its no-city-left-behind mantra and this is something we have vigorously pursued, and it is driving our route expansion. The decision to extend our wings to Johannesburg is consequent upon our vision to create affordable and safe air travel for Africans, with our signature hospitality, connecting various cities across A Africa frica, thereby fostering unity and enhancing impactful economic relations.
On its plans to embark on other international destinations, Olajide said the airline in less than a decade the airline has been able to service sixteen domestic routes, five regional routes and two international destinations, including the United Arab Emirates, which was launched in July 2019.
She said,”I am pleased to also inform you that we have other international routes in the offing, such as Houston-USA, Mumbai-India, Guangzhou-China and London. As a socially responsive airline, we’re constantly reviewing our route network in line with public needs while looking at ways of expanding the network to provide ample value to Nigerians.
Also speaking at the event, Minister, Political and Nigerian Community Affairs, Consolate of Nigeria, Mr. Ezenwa Nwaobiala commended the airline saying that it is a tested and trusted brand.
Nwaobiala said,”How pleased we are to welcome you in this occasion, we are proud that we are launching our best airline to South Africa. We see this a vista of opportunity because when Nigeria and South Africa get together, great things happen. Whenever the two if us agree a lot happens .
“Air Peace has been tested and proven since it started emergency operations into South Africa. We are happy because a lot of people have been asking and waiting for this opportunity. A lot of Nigerians have been after what the airline did with the evacuation flights. With the flights a lot of confidence was reposed in this airline. And we pray it would be the best of all the entrants on the South African route,” he said.
An executive member of the Air Peace Board, Mr. Mohammed Danjuma who also spoke at the event said that the airline is striving to serve and doing its best to connect Africa.
Danjuma called for support for the airline as the Nigerian exploit still had a lot to do and would change the face of air travel.
