President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been commended by Allen Onyema, Chairman and CEO of Air Peace Limited, for giving the policy backing that enabled the airline’s historic trip from Abuja to London Heathrow.
According to him, the president’s action reduced foreign airfares from up to $13,000 to roughly $3,000.
Onyema characterized the milestone as a turning point for Nigeria’s aviation industry and evidence of what successful cooperation between public and private enterprise can accomplish in an interview with ARISE News on Wednesday.
“I would want to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for accomplishing this. This is an illustration of how the government facilitates the growth of the private sector.
“The private sector is essential to the development of any nation because it embodies and carries out the goals and objectives of the government.”
“President Tinubu made the right decision for this nation. Foreign airlines were compelled by his action to dramatically cut their ticket costs. From Abuja to Heathrow, the cost has decreased from $13,000 to $3,000, according to Onyema.
His remarks followed the launch of a direct route from Abuja’s Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport to London Heathrow Airport on Sunday by Air Peace Limited.
“The flight took off this morning, Sunday, October 26, 2025, and is expected to arrive this evening in London, marking a major milestone for Nigeria’s aviation industry,” the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, stated in a statement released through his assistant.
According to Onyema, the flight has “made flying affordable again and saved Nigerians money.” The arrival of competition made even the Britons on our planes delighted.
The head of Air Peace disclosed that the airline currently runs 14 weekly flights—the first for any Nigerian carrier—between Nigeria and the UK, including routes from Lagos to London Gatwick and Abuja to London Heathrow.
He claimed that foreign airlines were compelled to examine their prices as a result of entering the lucrative UK route, which was advantageous to all passengers.
For the first time, a Nigerian airline will operate simultaneous flights from Lagos to London Gatwick and Abuja to London Heathrow.
It has made the corridor accessible to the whole world, not just Europe. With our reasonable tickets, many of our passengers are making connections to America, Canada, and Asia via London, saving a significant amount of money.
“You can now fly other airlines at reduced fares, even if you don’t fly Air Peace,” he continued.
“At least Nigerians now have a choice, but Air Peace cannot fly everyone,” he stated.
Onyema gave Keyamo credit for spearheading the president’s aviation agenda, pointing out that after more than 15 years of limitations, Nigerian airlines now have access to foreign leasing choices under Tinubu’s leadership.
“I can’t stop applauding Festus Keyamo. He is fully carrying out Mr. President’s vision and mandate. Nigerian airlines will provide leasing alternatives for the first time.
“The industry was on a blacklist for more than 15 years, but this administration changed everything.” The Cape Town Convention Practice Direction, which permits large leasing corporations to enter Nigeria, was signed by them.
He declared, “The government has given Nigerian aviation a new lease of life.”
Onyema also praised the government’s decision to lift the 4% FOB tax on imported aviation parts, claiming that such accommodating measures had increased investor confidence.
“We are requesting helpful policies, not financial assistance. The president promptly withdrew the levy when we protested about it. That’s what a government that listens does.
However, Onyema issued a warning against bureaucratic animosity toward indigenous businesses.
Pull-him-down syndrome still affects certain people. The country suffers when a company like Air Peace, which employs more than 10,000 Nigerians, is destroyed. Insecurity increases when people lose their employment.
He reiterated Air Peace’s dedication to promoting Nigeria internationally, emphasizing that the nation, not only its founder, is responsible for the airline’s success.
“Air Peace is about Nigeria, not Allen Onyema. Every time we fly our flag in London, we demonstrate what Nigerians are capable of when the public and private sectors collaborate,” he continued.
According to reports, Kayemo stated in June 2025 that the historic flight was the result of the Federal Government’s persistent diplomatic efforts to enforce reciprocity in international air travel agreements.
The breakthrough, according to the minister, came from a letter sent by the ministry to Rt. Hon. Louise Haigh, the UK Secretary of State for Transport, on August 1, 2024.
