West and Central Africa’s largest carrier, Air Peace, has made history with the successful launch of its maiden Lagos–Brazil flight, marking a breakthrough in aviation and a new chapter in Nigeria–Brazil relations.
The expansion was highlighted during a recent diplomatic meeting between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Brazilian counterpart, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, where aviation was identified as central to deepening bilateral ties. Both leaders emphasized Air Peace’s role in strengthening economic, cultural, and social bonds between the two nations.
At a press briefing after the inaugural flight landed at Murtala Muhammed International Airport Terminal 2 in Lagos, the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), praised President Tinubu for his commitment to the sector. He described the achievement as the “first tangible fruit” of the President’s diplomatic shuttle to Brazil.
“Brazil is the biggest economy in South America, and Nigeria is considered the biggest economy in Africa. Connecting these two economies was very key to both presidents,” Keyamo said, noting that the new direct service cuts flight time across the Atlantic to just seven hours.
Air Peace Chairman and CEO, Dr. Allen Ifechukwu Onyema, commended the President for his visionary leadership, stressing that the Lagos–Brazil route reflects Nigeria’s pursuit of respectful, symbiotic partnerships.
“This is not just a flight; it is a bridge. Connectivity is at the heart of true partnership. By opening this corridor, we are bringing Nigeria closer to Brazil and, by extension, to South America and the Caribbean,” Onyema said.
The new service, which will operate three times weekly, is expected to drive growth in trade, tourism, and cultural exchange while positioning Nigeria as West and Central Africa’s gateway into South America.
With this milestone, Air Peace cements its role not only as Nigeria’s flagship carrier but also as a regional connector and a symbol of Africa’s expanding influence in global aviation.
