Air Peace is no doubt on a mission to continuously push the frontiers, as the airline recently inaugurated yet another direct route: Lagos, Abuja – Nigeria to Tel Aviv – Israel; the first of its kind for the sector.
The maiden flight event which took place at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on April 20, 2023 was graced by Air Peace’ Chairman, Barr. Allen Onyema; Israel’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Michael Freeman and other high profile personalities from various government agencies and parastatals.
According to Onyema, his airline’s latest destination will set the pace for more social and economic growth than was previously possible, while fostering the enforcement of the Bilateral Air Services Agreement between the two nations:
“Our entry into Israel today will open up more layers of opportunity. For the first time, a Nigerian airline is connecting both countries directly through scheduled commercial flights. The connectivity will boost religious tourism, especially factoring the numerous Nigerians who embark on pilgrimage trips to Israel.”
He went on to divulge that the creation of the new route was in a bid to assist Nigerian travellers who in the absence of direct flights to Israel, would usually spend several hours in stopovers before ever getting to their final destination.
On his part, Ambassador Michael Freeman equally expressed delight at the milestone, especially with regards to the economic benefits it promises to bring to the bilateral relationship in question.
The Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, who was represented by Mr. Hassan Ejibunu, Director of Air Transport Management, Ministry of Aviation reaffirmed the government’s support towards the growth of indigenous airlines in Nigeria, as well as the government’s commitment to assisting Air Peace in its route expansion plans.
Air Peace, West and Central Africa’s largest carrier currently boasts of five (05) international routes, seven (07) regional routes and twenty (20) domestic routes, with plans of launching Maiduguri come April 21, 2023.
