Nigeria, Brazil air deal, symbol of connectivity as Air Peace set to launch direct service

Nigeria’s flag carrier, Air Peace, has taken centre stage in a new chapter of Nigeria–Brazil relations with the successful launch of its maiden Lagos–Brazil flight.

This milestone marks not only a breakthrough in aviation but also a powerful symbol of connectivity and enduring partnership between Africa’s largest economy and South America’s economic powerhouse.

The significance of Air Peace’s expansion was underscored during a recent diplomatic meeting between the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and the President of Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Aviation featured prominently in their dialogue, with both leaders identifying Air Peace as a central player in deepening economic, cultural, and social ties between the two nations.

At a press briefing after the arrival of the inaugural flight at Murtala Muhammed International Airport Terminal 2, Lagos, the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo (SAN), commended President Tinubu for his remarkable contributions to the sector. He noted that Air Peace’s achievement was the first tangible fruit of the President’s diplomatic shuttle to Brazil.

“What we are seeing today is the first fruit of the diplomatic shuttle of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to Brazil. In his wisdom, the President has decided to reopen and expand our economic, diplomatic, and trade relations with Brazil. Brazil is the biggest economy in South America, and Nigeria is considered the biggest economy in Africa. Connecting these two economies was very key to both presidents,” he said, praising President Tinubu for empowering the aviation sector to deliver this milestone through Air Peace.

He further highlighted that Air Peace’s direct service would simplify travel between Nigeria and Brazil, eliminating the need for long detours through Europe or the Middle East. With the new route, flight time is cut to just seven hours across the Atlantic, a move expected to unlock unprecedented opportunities in trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. The Minister also emphasised that the service would facilitate onward connections across South America, providing direct access to Nigeria and, by extension, to Africa, thereby boosting regional and economic integration.

Air Peace’s Chairman/CEO,  Allen Onyema, lauded President Tinubu for his visionary leadership and commitment to building a new Nigeria that offers greater opportunities for its youth.

He stated that the vision behind Air Peace’s expansion reflected not only partnership but also a symbiotic relationship built on respect and mutual growth.

“The President is not seeking partnerships that will lord over us. He is seeking partnerships that are symbiotic in nature—not parasitic—partners who will respect our sovereignty and not bully us,” Onyema said.

On the broader connectivity impact, he added: “This is not just a flight; it is a bridge. Connectivity is at the heart of true partnership. By opening this corridor, we are bringing Nigeria closer to Brazil and, by extension, to South America and the Caribbean. This is the beginning of long-lasting opportunities for both regions.”

The new Lagos–Brazil service will operate three times weekly, with plans to scale up frequency in the near future. With this development, Air Peace positions Nigeria as the gateway for West and Central Africa into South America, while simultaneously giving Brazil onward access across the African continent.

Wole Shadare