The Nigerian federal government has given the green light for Air Peace, the nation’s leading airline, to commence direct flights to Brazil, contingent upon the airline procuring aircraft for the route.
This announcement was made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, during a television interview. Tuggar revealed that this initiative follows a meeting between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. As Air Peace initiates passenger services to Brazil, LATAM, a Brazilian airline, will manage cargo operations between the two nations.
“Air Peace will be operating flights from Nigeria to Brazil, while LATAM will handle cargo services. The green imperative is already in effect,” Tuggar stated.
He further mentioned that discussions between the two presidents included plans for Brazil’s aircraft manufacturer to set up a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Nigeria to service Embraer aircraft across West and Central Africa.
“Once Air Peace secures an aircraft for this route, the Brazilian equivalent of Nigeria’s Civil Aviation Authority has indicated readiness to approve LATAM for immediate flights to Nigeria,” Tuggar added.
Both leaders emphasised the urgency of these developments, with President Lula noting their age and the need for swift action. “We have our marching orders; we are ready to go,” Tuggar affirmed.
Air Peace holds a firm order for approximately 35 Embraer aircraft, including models E195-E2 and E175, of which five have already been delivered.
In a separate incident, Air Peace confirmed that its Flight P47190, travelling from Lagos to Port Harcourt, experienced a runway excursion upon landing at Port Harcourt International Airport. The airline clarified that the aircraft had veered slightly off the runway without sustaining any damage, and all passengers disembarked safely and without injury. “We assure the public of our unwavering commitment to the highest safety standards in all our operations,” the airline stated.