In a ceremony held at the Zulu Terminal Complex of Murtala Muhammed Airport on 1 November 2025, Air Peace, the largest carrier in West and Central Africa, took delivery of a Boeing 737‑700 Next‑Generation aircraft under a dry‑lease arrangement with AerCap, the world’s biggest aircraft lessor. The transaction, the first dry‑lease for a Nigerian operator in almost ten years, underscores renewed confidence in the country’s aviation ecosystem and positions Air Peace as a catalyst for regional connectivity.
The event attracted a roster of senior officials, including Hon. Festus Keyamo, SAN, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development; H.E. Peter Ryan, Ambassador of Ireland to Nigeria; Capt. Chris Najomo, Director‑General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA); Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN); and senior executives from Fidelity Bank – Dr. Nneka Onyeali‑Ikpe (CEO), Dr. Ken Opara (Executive Director) and Kevin Ugwuoke (Executive Director). Also present were Moore Ibekwe Jr, Boeing’s Sales Director for Africa, and Gad Wavomba, AerCap’s Vice President of Leasing.
In his remarks, Moore Ibekwe Jr commended Air Peace for the acquisition, stating, “a landmark achievement for Nigeria and a testament to Air Peace’s operational excellence and commitment to growth.” He highlighted the collaborative effort among Boeing, AerCap, the NCAA and the Ministry of Aviation, noting that the initiative would bolster regional linkages and stimulate job creation.
AerCap’s Gad Wavomba expressed pride in the partnership, crediting government support, the NCAA’s 83Bis Agreement and cooperation with Irish authorities for facilitating the deal: “The combined effort has made this milestone possible,” he said.
Kevin Ugwuoke, representing Fidelity Bank’s management, described the financing as “a natural progression after supporting previous wet‑lease operations,” adding that the aircraft represents a major boost for Air Peace and a transformative development for Nigeria’s aviation landscape.
John Hines, Managing Director of Avolta International, praised Air Peace for embodying “national pride and purpose,” observing that airlines “carry not just passengers, but dreams, commerce, and the soul of a nation.”
Ambassador Peter Ryan, in his goodwill message, lauded Air Peace’s leadership and values, describing the Nigeria–Ireland aviation partnership as a “mutually beneficial bridge for shared prosperity.” He acknowledged the roles of AerCap, Boeing, FAAN and the NCAA in advancing Nigeria’s aviation transformation.
Air Peace Chairman Dr. Allen Ifechukwu Onyema delivered a keynote address, expressing profound gratitude to all partners and the Nigerian government, especially Minister Keyamo, for fostering an enabling environment that made the dry‑lease possible. He reaffirmed the airline’s unwavering commitment to safety, integrity and national representation, adding that Air Peace remains focused on expanding its fleet and network to enhance connectivity and economic growth across Africa.
Minister Festus Keyamo, SAN, characterised the achievement as a turning point in restoring global trust in Nigerian aviation, citing ongoing reforms such as the IDERA framework designed to protect investors and enhance transparency. He outlined plans to rebuild Lagos International Airport, facilitate wide‑body aircraft acquisitions and establish a Nigerian Aircraft Leasing Company to help indigenous carriers access modern fleets under strengthened regulatory systems. The Minister applauded Air Peace for setting industry benchmarks and pledged continued federal support for indigenous carriers seeking a larger share of Nigeria’s expanding aviation market.
The induction of the Boeing 737‑700 NG marks another milestone in Air Peace’s growth trajectory, reinforcing its mission to unite Nigeria, connect Africa and bridge continents through peace and excellence. The carrier continues to break new ground, from pioneering international routes to securing strategic partnerships, cementing its status as a symbol of national pride, innovation and resilience in African aviation.
