Air Peace chairman, Allen Onyema, has voiced concerns over an alleged conspiracy by foreign airlines on the Nigeria-UK route. Onyema disclosed it on Channels TV, calling it an “unspoken alliance” aimed at removing Air Peace.
Air Peace chairman warns of dire consequences if the airline is prematurely ousted from international operations. He emphasized that such a scenario would lead to substantial economic losses and put additional strain on the Nigerian currency. Moreover, Onyema highlighted the far-reaching consequences this could have across various sectors of the economy, underlining the importance of maintaining Air Peace’s presence in international aviation.
Onyema’s concern highlights Air Peace’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s aviation sector and its economic impact. Being a leading indigenous airline, Air Peace facilitates affordable air travel and enhances domestic and international connectivity. The airline’s presence is crucial for promoting accessibility and driving economic growth in Nigeria. Moreover, any disruption to its operations could have ripple effects on businesses, tourism, and trade, exacerbating existing economic challenges.
Given the potential implications, Onyema’s warning serves as a call to action for stakeholders to address the challenges faced by Air Peace and ensure its continued viability in the international aviation market. Preserving the presence of indigenous carriers like Air Peace is crucial for fostering competition, driving innovation, and maintaining a robust aviation sector that contributes to Nigeria’s overall economic growth and development.
In March 2024, Air Peace initiated Lagos-Gatwick flights, aiming for cheaper travel and to challenge foreign carriers’ dominance. Consequently, Air Peace’s action reduced Lagos-London airfares, forcing foreign airlines to lower prices for competitiveness. Onyema attributed this to a deliberate attempt to undermine Air Peace.
Expressing dissatisfaction, Onyema accused foreign airlines of unfair practices and called for support from other Nigerian airlines. Despite challenges, he expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu and Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo for their support.
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