The partnership brings together West and Central Africa’s largest carrier and one of the continent’s leading aviation groups, in a move aimed at simplifying international journeys, expanding travel options and strengthening air transport links across Africa.
In a joint statement, the airlines described the agreement as a significant milestone for the continent’s aviation industry, particularly as seamless connectivity becomes increasingly important to trade, tourism and economic integration.
Under the arrangement, both carriers will collaborate on passenger transportation and checked baggage services, allowing either airline to issue tickets for eligible journeys involving flights operated by the two companies.
The agreement is expected to reduce some of the inconveniences associated with connecting flights, including the need for passengers to make separate bookings and collect and recheck their luggage at transit airports where through-checking arrangements apply.
Travellers will also benefit from the opportunity to book qualifying connecting journeys on a single ticket, with their baggage checked through to their final destinations, subject to applicable conditions.
The partnership will combine Air Peace’s extensive domestic and regional operations, alongside its growing international network, with Ethiopian Airlines’ extensive connections across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas.
This is expected to improve access to Ethiopian Airlines’ international destinations for passengers departing from major cities in Nigeria and other West African countries through its Addis Ababa hub.
Similarly, international travellers arriving in Ethiopia and connecting through Ethiopian Airlines will have additional options for onward journeys to Nigeria and other West African destinations through Air Peace’s network.
The agreement is also expected to strengthen Addis Ababa’s position as a major connecting hub for Nigerian and West African passengers travelling beyond the continent, while expanding Air Peace’s contribution to regional and international aviation connectivity.
Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer, Mesfin Tasew, described the agreement as a strategic partnership built around a shared commitment to improving passenger experience and creating more opportunities for air travel across Africa.
“We are delighted to partner with Air Peace, a leading carrier in Nigeria, through this strategic interline agreement.
“This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to enhancing connectivity, improving customer convenience, and supporting the growth of air travel across the African continent. By combining our strengths, we are creating more travel opportunities and bringing Africa closer to the world,” Tasew said.
Air Peace Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Allen Onyema, said the agreement represented another important step towards improving aviation connectivity and bringing African countries closer together.
“This partnership with Ethiopian Airlines represents another significant milestone in our commitment to strengthening Africa’s aviation connectivity and bringing the continent closer together. By combining Air Peace’s extensive domestic and regional network, and our growing international network, with Ethiopian Airlines’ global reach, we are creating greater opportunities for seamless travel in and out of the African continent,” Onyema said.
He noted that the benefits of the partnership would extend beyond passenger convenience, arguing that stronger air transport links were essential to promoting economic development and closer relationships among African countries.
“Beyond expanding travel options, this collaboration reflects our shared vision of fostering stronger economic, commercial and cultural ties across Africa and beyond,” he added.
Onyema also reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to pursuing strategic partnerships that would improve service delivery, expand its international reach and strengthen the position of African carriers in the global aviation market.
“At Air Peace, we remain committed to building strategic partnerships that enhance passenger convenience, broaden connectivity and position African aviation as a formidable force in global air transport,” he said.
The agreement reflects growing efforts by African airlines to pool their networks and improve connectivity across the continent, where fragmented routes and limited direct flight options have often made regional travel more difficult and expensive.
By combining their operations, Air Peace and Ethiopian Airlines aim to make cross-border journeys more convenient while supporting the movement of people, goods and business opportunities across Africa and beyond.