The announcement was made by Air Peace Chairman Allen Onyema upon his return from Brazil, where he accompanied President Bola Tinubu on an official visit. During the trip, a direct air service agreement was signed between Nigeria and Brazil, paving the way for Air Peace to launch a direct route to the South American nation.
The new MRO facility will specialize in servicing Embraer jets, a move that Onyema says will save time and significant costs. "You will now be able to do it here, and people will also come to Nigeria to do the same," he said, highlighting the potential for Nigeria to become a regional hub for aircraft maintenance.
This collaboration is a key component of a broader effort to strengthen bilateral ties. Onyema noted that the recent endorsement for Air Peace to operate the Nigeria-Brazil route was not solely due to its investment in Embraer but was a testament to the airline's proven capacity and readiness.
The new direct flight connection is seen as a crucial step in revitalizing trade between Africa and South America's largest economies. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, described the new air agreement as a vital step in reversing a decade-long decline in bilateral trade, which has fallen from $10 billion to just $2 billion.
Onyema expressed optimism about the future, stating that the agreement would foster stronger economic and cultural ties between Nigeria and Brazil. Air Peace is set to launch its Brazil route in the third quarter of 2025.