All Economy Class seats on Air Peace flights to London are completely reserved until August, Nigerians are currently traveling from the United States to the United Kingdom in order to book flights with Air Peace to Lagos, as stated by the Chief Operating Officer.
The chief operating officer of Air Peace, Toyin Olajide mentioned that Nigerians opt to fly from the US to the UK and then book Air Peace flights to Lagos in order to benefit from the cost-effective US-Europe routes.
By choosing this route, they are able to save a significant
amount of money that would have been spent on direct US-Nigeria flights.
Additionally, Olajide highlighted that Chinese nationals residing in Nigeria,
as well as Nigerians, also utilize Air Peace for their travels to London and
then switch to China Southern Airline for their journey to China.
This strategy allows them to reduce expenses that would have
been incurred if they had chosen Nigeria to China flights via the Middle East
or other connecting hubs.
“We recently upgraded two passengers who traveled from the
US to London and then on to Lagos using our flight. We decided to upgrade them
from economy class to business class as a token of appreciation for their
loyalty and support. They have been taking advantage of our affordable flights
between Europe and the US, which has allowed them to save a significant amount
of money," she stated.
The COO also mentioned that Air Peace has become the
preferred airline for Nigerians who accompany their elderly parents to the UK
and the US. She revealed that on each flight to London, Air Peace may have
between 30 to 40 wheelchair passengers, as it has become the airline of choice
for Nigerians to bring their parents to the UK and also take them back to
Nigeria
“Our cabin crew, having adopted the African traditions of
looking after the elderly, are the reason why many Nigerians opt for Air Peace
to transport their elderly parents. We treat them with the same level of care
and attention as we would our own parents. Our cabin crew go above and beyond
to ensure their happiness and well-being. We make it a priority to cater to
their needs. In fact, some Nigerians entrust their parents to us to travel
unaccompanied,” stated the COO.
Numerous Nigerians have recently expressed their
appreciation for Air Peace’s initiative to launch flight operations to London
three months ago.
A significant number of individuals who have either flown with the airline to London or availed of its services for their family members have taken to social media to praise the airline for offering alternatives to the public, reducing the previously exorbitant airfares for the route, and breaking the monopoly of direct flights between Lagos and London.
A Nigerian Individual, a woman in her online post, shared
her experience of flying back to Nigeria with Air Peace from London and then
choosing to bring her elderly parents to London with the same airline. She
praised the in-flight service and punctuality.
The Chief Operating Officer stated that despite the
obstacles, Air Peace has offered Nigerians a reliable option and guaranteed
that the airline will maintain its efficient and trustworthy service on the
Lagos-London route.
She added Air Peace Lagos-London flight economy class has
been fully booked for the next 60 days and on the flight it operated on Sunday
(June 30, 2024), the economy seats were fully booked and out of the 42 seats in
the business class, 41 seats were occupied.
“But our system did not advertise our first class seats, an
error, which has been corrected. So, what it means is that we recorded a very
high load factor, only 12 seats in the first class and one business class seat;
that is, 13 seats were empty out of the 274 seats capacity aircraft. We thank
Nigerians. We appreciate the fact that they are happy with the airline,”
Olajide said.
Additional Nigerians have shared their experiences and
praised the Air Peace service on the Lagos-London route.
Shalom Asuquo, the Founder and Managing Director of Travel
Lab Nigeria Limited, highlighted the significant positive influence Air Peace
has had on the route over the last three months, facilitating the
transportation of Nigerians and enhancing market growth.
“On March 30, 2024, Air Peace commenced operations with a
Boeing 777-200ER, and since then, they have partnered with Norse Atlantic
Airways to maintain daily flights on this route, using Boeing 787-9
Dreamliners. The inaugural flight was a beautiful and nostalgic event,
symbolizing a significant step forward for Nigerian aviation.
“The entrance of Air Peace into this market has not only
increased accessibility but also diversified the passenger base. Remarkably,
the airline has attracted elderly passengers who previously couldn’t afford
high ticket prices post-pandemic, as well as students returning home for family
events and reunions. This influx has resulted in a five to fifteen per cent
increase in passengers.
“Air Peace’s operations have also played a crucial role in
positively positioning Nigerian brands. Products like Farm Fresh yoghurt,
Gratia chin flakes, Olu Olu chips, and local long-grain Nigerian rice have
gained exposure and expanded their reach. This ripple effect has benefited
small businesses and local farmers who supply produce like tomatoes, peppers,
and spinach; contributing to an economic expansion of over NGN 2 billion,”
Asuquo disclosed.
She disclosed that travel agencies have been able to take
advantage of Air Peace's favorable commission structure, which includes a nine
percent commission and various incentives. This comes at a time when numerous
airlines have decreased or completely removed commissions. She emphasized that
this program, endorsed by the current president of the National Association of
Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), is geared towards standardizing industry
practices and backing travel agencies .
“Despite the challenges on the route, Air Peace has
continued to maintain high safety standards. Fostering strong relationships
with regulatory bodies will be essential for sustaining and expanding its
service on this route. Air Peace’s entry into the London route represents a
significant development for Nigerian aviation, offering better service, more
competitive pricing, and substantial economic benefits to the country. For us
in the downstream aviation sector, Air Peace is a beacon of growth and progress.
We hope they keep soaring to new heights, and we are on standby to support them
all the way,” Asuquo said.
Additionally, Bede Eziefule, the Programme Director at the
Centre for the Right to Health in Nigeria, emphasized that Air Peace has
provided relief to Nigerians by reducing the exorbitant fares for flights from
Lagos to London offered by other airlines.
“Before Air Peace
joined the Lagos-London route, airfares were too high, but now the fares are
relatively down. We are clamouring for dollars but the foreign airlines
repatriate the foreign exchange after charging us outrageous fares. Now, Air
Peace is helping us because we pay their low fares in Naira and by doing that
they reduce the pressure on the Nigerian currency. You can now eat local
delicacies on international flights to Europe, a rarity in the past.
“The success recorded by Air Peace so far will encourage
other Nigerian airlines to join international service; this will help us bring
the fares down and also improve the service offered to Nigerians because this
will sharpen competition and will discourage any gang-up by foreign airlines to
rip us off,” he said.
Aloysius Nnanna, similarly, expressed his thoughts, the Deputy Zonal Commander, Advocacy and
Sensitization at the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), emphasized
that Air Peace has played a crucial role in providing affordable travel options
for Nigerians to the UK. This has particularly benefited middle-income earners,
as previously, the absence of Nigerian carriers flying to Europe resulted in
exorbitant fares.
“It has also helped Nigerians in terms of competition
because ticket prices started coming down when Air Peace started the London
operation. What this means is that Nigerians will spend less on flight tickets
if more Nigerian carriers are enabled to fly international routes. The Nigerian
government should continue to support Air Peace and other Nigerian airlines,
especially now that it has become intentional about protecting Nigerian
carriers against other predatory businesses, including foreign airlines,” Nworisa
said.