Air Peace, recognized as Nigeria's largest airline and a prominent carrier in West Africa, has announced its intention to initiate international flight services to London from the Gateway International Airport. These flights are slated to commence during the summer period.
The Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, shared these plans in an interview with journalists following an inspection of the airport's infrastructure. He was accompanied by Governor Dapo Abiodun during the visit, which occurred shortly after the official commissioning of the airport by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to Mr. Onyema, Air Peace will operate routes connecting the Gateway International Airport to both London Gatwick Airport and London Heathrow Airport. This move is anticipated to represent a significant advancement for the aviation industry within Ogun State.
He lauded the state government for delivering an aviation facility that he described as world-class, asserting that it ranks among the most advanced airports in Sub-Saharan Africa. Mr. Onyema expressed the airline's commitment to utilizing such a promising facility.
"This is one of the best-equipped airports in Sub-Saharan Africa, and Air Peace will not sit back and watch this facility go unused," Mr. Onyema stated. He added, "When you see a promising initiative, you must embrace it."
He further highlighted that the airport's infrastructure meets international standards, specifically mentioning its 4-kilometre runway, which is sufficient for large aircraft like the Airbus A380. Air Peace intends to deploy its Boeing 777 fleet for the service to London.
Mr. Onyema also revealed that he has secured approval from the Minister of Aviation to proceed with these operations, viewing the airport project as a national asset rather than solely a state undertaking.
In his remarks, Governor Abiodun outlined future expansion plans for the airport's associated infrastructure. These include the development of an international conference and convention centre, as well as a 550-room five- star hotel. He believes these additions will establish Ogun State as a major centre for international business and tourism.
The governor also mentioned that cargo operations have already begun with Allied Air, and Ethiopian Airlines is expected to commence its services soon. Furthermore, another European airline is preparing to launch cargo operations into the state.
Governor Abiodun projected that the airport would handle approximately 50 cargo flights between April and the end of the year.
He also disclosed the establishment of Gateway Airlines, which has procured two Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft. These 90-seater planes are expected to improve connectivity between Ogun State, Abuja, and other major Nigerian cities.
Based on these developments, the governor expressed his conviction that Gateway International Airport could soon become Nigeria's third busiest aviation hub, following closely behind Lagos and Abuja.
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