Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest airline, announced that it will begin flights to São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro from Lagos starting in late November. The announcement was made by the airline’s CEO, Allen Onyema, during a press conference in Brasília, following the signing of a Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and Brazil.
The signing took place during the state visit of President Bola Tinubu to Brazil. The agreement was signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, and Brazil’s Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Filho.
A Milestone for African Aviation
Onyema described the agreement as “a major leap for the Nigerian aviation sector,” emphasizing that connectivity between the two countries had been pending for years.
“The Lagos–Brazil air corridor has long been anticipated and is full of opportunities. Our president has made it possible,” stated the executive.
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The CEO explained that operations will begin with three weekly flights, with plans to increase frequency based on demand and logistical feasibility. The initial route will be Lagos–Rio de Janeiro–São Paulo–Lagos, allowing the airline to serve passengers in both Brazilian cities before returning to Nigeria.
Economic and Diplomatic Impact
President Lula da Silva highlighted that this agreement will strengthen diplomatic and trade relations between the two nations: “Increasing direct connections between Nigeria and Brazil is another essential step to strengthening the ties between our societies,” the president stated during the ceremony.
Onyema also emphasized that the agreement will benefit the two largest economies in their respective continents: Brazil in Latin America and Nigeria in Africa. Both nations possess abundant natural resources and human capital, which, he noted, will be further enhanced by the new air connectivity.
With this agreement, Air Peace positions itself as a key player in African aviation and a strategic bridge between Africa and Latin America.
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Un apasionado por la aviación, Fundador y CEO de Aviación al Día.