Pecohub Air Peace, West and Central Africa’s largest carrier, has achieved yet another major feat in the aviation space with the arrival of a dry-leased Boeing 737-700 NG aircraft from AerCap – a development aviation experts have described as a historic restoration of investor confidence in Nigeria’s aviation marketplace.
The aircraft’s arrival ceremony, held at the Zulu Terminal Complex of the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos, was graced by high-ranking government officials, diplomatic figures, global aviation executives and financial partners – all united in celebrating what many called a benchmark breakthrough for indigenous airlines in Africa’s most populous economy.
Dignitaries present included the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN; the Ambassador of Ireland to Nigeria, His Excellency Peter Ryan; the Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo; and the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku.
Also in attendance were top executives from Fidelity Bank – Managing Director/CEO Dr Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe (represented by Executive Director, Kevin Ugwuoke), Executive Director Dr Ken Opara – and senior officials from AerCap, Boeing, Avolta International and other strategic partners.
Boeing’s Sales Director for Africa, Moore Ibekwe Jr, described the dry-leasing deal as “a landmark achievement for Nigeria,” adding that it proves Air Peace’s operational credibility and its growing impact on the regional and continental aviation market.
He stated that the Boeing–AerCap–NCAA–Federal Government synergy that delivered the transaction would stimulate wider economic value, including better connectivity and employment.
AerCap’s Vice President of Leasing, Gad Wavomba, likewise lauded the successful partnership, acknowledging Air Peace’s resilience throughout the acquisition process.
He credited key government reforms – especially the NCAA’s 83Bis Agreement – and Ireland’s regulatory cooperation as vital enablers of the milestone.
Fidelity Bank, a major financier to the deal, emphasised its long-term belief in Air Peace’s vision. Represented by Kevin Ugwuoke, the bank stressed that this dry-lease finance “was a natural progression after supporting the airline through wet-lease operations,” calling it a transformational upgrade that would boost Nigeria’s aviation capacity and credibility.
In his goodwill message, the Irish Ambassador, Peter Ryan, said the new aircraft symbolises a productive Nigeria–Ireland aviation partnership – a bridge for mutual prosperity.
Speaking with emotion and conviction, Chairman of Air Peace, Dr Allen Ifechukwu Onyema, thanked the Nigerian government, the Ministry of Aviation and all global partners for their confidence in Air Peace.
He declared that the airline remains unwavering in its commitment to safety, transparency, quality service, and proper national representation. He added that the airline is expanding its fleet and network deliberately to promote connectivity, intra-African trade, and broader national economic growth.
Minister Keyamo, in his remarks, said Air Peace’s achievement signals the return of international trust in Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem. He highlighted major ongoing reforms – including IDERA implementation – which protect investors and attract more capital for aircraft financing.
He further disclosed plans to rebuild Lagos International Airport, facilitate wide-body aircraft acquisition, and establish a Nigerian Aircraft Leasing Company to improve fleet modernisation for indigenous airlines.
He commended Air Peace for setting new standards in commercial aviation, stating that the Federal Government will continue to push policies that enable Nigerian carriers to dominate a larger share of the nation’s local, regional and international markets.
With the induction of this Boeing 737-700 NG, Air Peace continues to raise the flag high for Nigerian aviation – from trailblasing international routes to building strategic partnerships – cementing its status as a resilient symbol of national capacity, commercial ambition and aviation excellence across Africa.
