West and Central Africa’s largest carrier Air Peace has achieved another major milestone with the arrival of a dry-leased Boeing 737-700 NG from AerCap, the world’s leading aircraft leasing company — marking Nigeria’s first dry lease in nearly a decade and reinforcing global confidence in the nation’s aviation sector.
The arrival ceremony, held at the Zulu Terminal Complex of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, drew an impressive lineup of dignitaries, industry regulators, and financial partners.
Among them were the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN; the Irish Ambassador to Nigeria, Peter Ryan; Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo; Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku; and senior executives of Fidelity Bank, including Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, and Executive Directors, Dr. Ken Opara and Kevin Ugwuoke.
Delivering the keynote address, Air Peace Chairman, Dr. Allen Ifechukwu Onyema, expressed profound gratitude to all partners and to the Federal Government for fostering an enabling environment that made the deal possible.
He reaffirmed Air Peace’s commitment to safety, integrity, and national service, saying the airline remains focused on expanding its fleet and regional network to enhance connectivity and economic growth across Africa.
In his remarks, Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo described the milestone as “a turning point in restoring global trust in Nigerian aviation.” He cited ongoing reforms, including the IDERA framework to protect investors, plans to rebuild the Lagos International Airport, and the proposed Nigerian Aircraft Leasing Company to help indigenous airlines access modern fleets under transparent regulatory structures.
The minister commended Air Peace for “setting new industry benchmarks” and reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting Nigerian carriers to reclaim a larger share of the domestic and international market.
Boeing’s Sales Director for Africa, Moore Ibekwe Jr, described the lease as “a landmark achievement for Nigeria and a testament to Air Peace’s operational excellence and commitment to growth.” He noted that the collaboration between Boeing, AerCap, the NCAA, and the Ministry of Aviation underscored the increasing international confidence in Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem.
AerCap’s Vice President of Leasing, Gad Wavomba, praised Air Peace’s persistence and professionalism throughout the process, attributing the success to government reforms, NCAA’s 83Bis Agreement, and strong cooperation with Irish authorities.
Representing Fidelity Bank, Kevin Ugwuoke reaffirmed the bank’s long-standing partnership with the airline, calling the dry-lease financing “a natural progression after previous wet-lease support.” He added that the acquisition would further strengthen Air Peace’s market leadership and transform Nigeria’s aviation landscape.
In his goodwill message, Ireland’s Ambassador Peter Ryan hailed the partnership as “a mutually beneficial bridge of shared prosperity” between Nigeria and Ireland, commending the collaboration among AerCap, Boeing, FAAN, and NCAA.
With the induction of the Boeing 737-700 NG, Air Peace reaffirmed its mission to “unite Nigeria, connect Africa, and bridge continents through peace and excellence.”
From pioneering international routes to leading regional partnerships, the airline continues to consolidate its reputation as a symbol of national pride, innovation, and resilience in African aviation.
About the Author
