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Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, has assured that Air Peace will not disappoint Nigerians, given the company’s exposure to the highest standards. The assurance was made during the briefing for the airline’s inaugural flight from Abuja to London Heathrow yesterday in London, United Kingdom. Keyamo described the inaugural flight as a significant milestone for Nigerians, expressing the government’s pride in supporting the company. He thanked the London Heathrow Authority for the opportunity, highlighting the long-standing relationship between the UK and Nigeria. “We know they will not let us down. We have exposed them to the highest standard. We thank the London Heathrow Authority for this opportunity, and as you all know, the relationship between the UK and Nigeria is long and historical. “We are better late than never. Today is a big one for Nigerians, and we are very proud to support Air Peace.” Keyamo said. The Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo, urged the company to maintain compliance, lauding them for making a bold statement. He described the inaugural flight as a celebration of Nigeria’s connectivity and a reflection of its capacity for favorable competition, realizing the Minister’s five-point agenda. “Always remain compliant. Today’s milestone is a bold statement and celebration of Nigeria’s connectivity, reflecting our capacity to compete favorably. “This inaugural flight is both a triumph and responsibility. It is a realization of the Minister’s five-point agenda. At NCAA, our oversight system is robust, and we appreciate the collaborative support of the UKCA.” He said. The Chief Customer Officer of Heathrow Airport Holdings, Ross Baker, described the inauguration as a collaborative endeavor between the UK and Nigeria, highlighting Abuja as a vibrant destination. “We have been working together for many years now. Welcome to the family. This marks the beginning of a more connected future between Nigeria and the UK. “Abuja is a vibrant destination and more accessible to the UK. We look forward to a successful partnership.” Ross stated. The Chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyeama, represented by Chief Operating Officer Oluwatoyin Olajide, said the flight is a statement of purpose, reflecting the company’s dream of building an airline with Nigerians at heart since 2014. “Despite challenges, the company has turned its vision into reality, connecting many countries. “ Onyeama emphasized the route’s importance for economic opportunity and bilateral trade, appreciating President Bola Tinubu’s support for indigenous airlines. “This is a statement of purpose. When we began operations in 2014, we had a dream to build an airline Nigerians can associate with. “That dream was not without its challenges. We have turned it into a reality. With this, we are building a bridge. It is not merely geographical but strategic. It is an opener of investment between the two countries,” he assured. An Executive Director at Air Peace, Ms. Onyema, assured the company’s commitment to the successful operation of the Abuja-Heathrow route, thanking the President for promoting ease of doing business. “This new operation is a seed of hope, and we are committed to nurturing that hope, a future where Nigeria is connected to every part of the world. “This moment is about the affirmation of a nation’s potential. For over a decade, there was no Nigerian carrier operating between Abuja and Heathrow, but the silence ends today. “This flight operation is a flight statement. We are ready to connect globally. Air Peace is a story of resilience,” she said.
