AerCap, the world’s largest aircraft lessor, has lauded Air Peace Limited, West and Central Africa’s biggest carrier, for its fiscal prudence and operational integrity after the delivery of a dry‑leased Boeing 737‑700 Next‑Generation aircraft. The milestone, which is the first dry‑lease transaction for a Nigerian operator since Nigeria signed the Practice document of the Cape Town Convention, was celebrated at a ceremony held in the Terminal 1 Hall of Murtala Muhammed Airport. The event underscored a renewed confidence in Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem and highlighted the benefits of collaborative regulatory frameworks.
Speaking at the arrival ceremony, Gad Wavomba, Vice President of Leasing at AerCap, described the occasion as “a historic moment for Nigeria and the region.” He noted that before this dry‑lease deal, Nigeria faced a period of de‑facto blacklisting in the global leasing market due to compliance and regulatory hurdles; attributing the success of the present partnership to multiple stakeholders: “We owe a lot of thanks to the Nigerian government for their initiatives, the NCAA for facilitating the 83‑Bis Agreement, the Irish Civil Aviation Authority, and the Irish Ambassador, who came from Abuja to support this process. But most importantly, we thank Air Peace. They trusted us, worked tirelessly, and demonstrated financial transparency and discipline every step of the way.”
The partnership between Air Peace and AerCap is expected to unlock broader opportunities for fleet expansion, operational growth and enhanced regional connectivity. The addition of the Boeing 737‑700 NG reinforces Air Peace’s standing as a trailblazer in West and Central Africa, bolstering its commitment to safety, efficiency and adherence to international standards. Industry observers note that the transaction signals a reintegration of Nigeria into the global leasing and aviation‑finance market, offering a replicable model for other indigenous carriers seeking competitive aircraft acquisition pathways.
The carrier, which has consistently championed innovation, integrity and national pride, continues to lead Nigeria’s private airline sector. By pioneering new international routes and demonstrating that rigorous financial management, robust alliances and strategic foresight can overcome historic market barriers, Air Peace remains a catalyst for economic expansion within Nigeria and across the continent.
