The journey of a thousand miles, they say, begins with a step, and that is true of Nigeria and West Africa’s foremost airline, Air Peace, which kicked off its aviation journey 10 years ago.

Rolling out the drums on Friday, October 25, 2024, to celebrate 10 years in business; the event attracted the crème de la crème of public and private sector, trade partners, airlines’ staff, as well as friends and admirers of the brand, who all turned up elegantly to toast the brand’s success.

  Held at the Convention Center, Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, the glitzy event celebrated not only loyal customers, it also celebrated members of staff and business partners who stood by them in the last decade.
Themed, “10 Years of Resilience,” the event, paid tribute to a decade of the airline’s tenacity, innovation, overcoming odds and demonstrating sheer excellence in Nigeria’s aviation space.

The evening took attendees through the airline’s journey, starting with its ambitious launch of seven aircrafts on its first day of operations, to its current status as West Africa’s leading airline.

  With an aviation-inspired décor and walkway chronicling the airlines’ journey, guests were treated to the airline’s origin, milestones, route expansions across Africa and beyond, fleet additions and its impactful corporate social responsibility, CSR, projects all over Nigeria.
Several goodwill messages poured in for the airline and it’s Chairman/CEO, Dr. Allen Onyeama.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, represented by Senator Alkali, praised Air Peace’s contribution to regional integration, underscoring its extensive network as a foundation for cultural and commercial exchange.

Goodwill messages were also read out by some personalities at the event, including; Chief Operating Officer of Ibom Air, George Uriesi; Kaduna State governor, Uba Sani, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Diaspora and Foreign Affairs, Maureen Okogwu-Ikokwu and Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo. Others included Zamfara State governor, Dauda Lawal and Abia State governor, Alex Otti.

Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki while congratulating Air Peace, commended the airline for their services to citizens in face of poor road infrastructure. He said the airline has bridged the gap in air transport, fostered tourism and business growth in Edo State and across Nigeria.

Speaking on behalf of the airline’s corporate partners, MD, Fidelity Bank, Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe hailed the airline’s resilience and innovation, and praised it for its community initiatives and job creation.

On his part, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo pledged government’s continued support for Air Peace’s future endeavours, including expansion of routes within and outside Nigeria.
In his address, Air Peace Chairman/CEO, Dr. Allen Ifechukwu Onyema, expressed heartfelt gratitude to staff, stakeholders, passengers and dignitaries in attendance whom he said all made the airline what it is today. Praising the airlines’ doggedness and tenacity over the last decade, he said if they had faltered, it would have affected the trajectory of the Nigerian aviation industry.

While thanking the president as well as the aviation minister for the positive changes carried out in the sector, as well as fostering ease of doing business in the aviation industry, he said, “For the times we have disappointed you or didn’t meet your expectations, we are sorry, but your safety will always be of utmost importance to us, and we will continue to improve. Air peace was set up to provide jobs, help the country and provide value. This is a pan-Nigerian company and it will remain so.”
  A special award ceremony was held during the event to honour devoted staff who have exemplified dedication over the past decade. Categories included, Longest Serving Staff Award (Joseph Oludele); Longest Serving Pilot Award (Captain Victor Iwo Brown); Longest Serving Cabin Crew Award (Ikwo Edeth Iyanam, Pauline Aiya-Obaze, Mayowa Junior Samuel and Adewale Oluwaseun Oyebade); Longest Serving Support Staff Award (Stella Kobindi Muomelite and Onehi Gafar Eira); Longest Serving Ground Operations Award (Leonard Olisakwe); Longest Serving Engineer Award (Henry Uchenna Azubuike) and Longest Serving Aviation Security Award (Monsuru Olasheinde Akinbola).

Other award categories and awardees include; Flyer of Devotion Award (flew with Air Peace over 200 times) was presented to Ndudi Elumelu, Obinna Ofili, Emeka Ariguzo, David Badejo, Busuyi Oluwadare, Ebere Uzozie, Omonigho Akpovona and Yiannakis Christodoulou.

Flyer of Distinction Award (flew with Air Peace over 250 times) was presented to Emeka Iwuchukwu and Olumbe Akinkugbe.
  The airline also recognised Top Trade Partners in the travel sector (Wakanow, TravelStart, SatGuru, BonVoyage, OrihTravels, Shepherd Trust Ltd, Business Travel Mgt, Trips.NG; TG Travels, Finchglow, Super International Travels, Quantum, MFEST Travels, Chellas Travel Service Limited and Touchdown).

Outstanding Technical Leadership Award was presented to the airlines Chief Operating Officer, Oluwatoyin Olajide; Best Financial Partner Award to Fidelity Bank and Exemplary Leadership Award to Ejiroghene Eghagha.
The celebration didn’t end there as it also featured music performances from top Nigerian artistes including, Efezino, Mirabel Chisom and Ada Ehi. Comedian Kenny Blaq sent the audience reeling with laughter and this was followed by Timi Dakolo’s powerful performance of his hit song, Great Nation.
Kcee and Flavour followed with performances that had the guests dancing into the morning, while music powerhouse, Davido, shut down the stage with an exhilarating performance that sent the crowd into a frenzy.

  From seven aircrafts and five destinations to becoming a leader in West African aviation, Air Peace has achieved remarkable growth since its inception in 2014. With a mission to connect people across Africa and beyond, Air Peace has introduced numerous international and domestic routes, supported by a fleet of Boeing and Embraer aircrafts. The airline’s No-City-Left-Behind initiative has brought service to underserved regions, furthering social and economic development.

 Air Peace’s commitment to CSR has led to life-changing initiatives, from scholarships and health programs to environmental conservation efforts.

The anniversary celebration was not only a tribute to the airline’s success but also a reminder of its dedication to elevating African aviation and unwavering commitment to connecting communities across borders.
Some of the dignitaries who graced the occasion include; First Lady of The Gambia, Fatoumata Bah-Barrow; Minister of Transportation, Sa’idu Ahmed Alkali; Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; MD, Fidelity Bank, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe; Sales Director, Boeing Commercial Aviation, Moore Ibekwe Jr.; Vice President of Sales, Embraer Commercial Aviation, Francisco Moraes; Chairman, United Nigeria Airlines, Dr Obiora Okonkwo and Senator Olorunnimbe Mamora.