Air Peace, West Africa’s largest airline has placed an order for five Embraer E175 aircraft as part of its fleet renewal and expansion program.
This is seen as a strategic move by the Nigerian airline as it captures the upward momentum of commercial air traffic in Nigeria and West Africa.
Air Peace fleet modernization
This also means that Air Peace is modernizing its fleet, alleviating Nigeria’s often-flawed image of commercial aviation.
This new acquisition round of aircraft will make Air Peace one of the youngest airlines in terms of fleet year aircraft in Africa.
This new order will enhance the airline’s domestic and regional network connectivity and prepare the airline to grow in the future.
Embraer expects to deliver the 88 seat aircraft in 2023, with a total value order of US$288.3m.
The Chairman and CEO of Air Peace, Mr Allen Onyema, said: “This is another important step in helping to realize our ambition to connect the whole of Nigeria with the entire African continent, while also feeding passengers into long-haul flights from our Lagos hub.”
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“The acquisition enables us to continue delivering on our ‘no-city-left-behind’ initiative – connectivity is what our passengers, and Africa, demand. The deal also paves the way to establish local maintenance capabilities in Nigeria, with direct support from Embraer.”
‘Powerhouse of aviation success’
Stephan Hannemann, VP Sales & Marketing, Head of Africa & Middle East Region, Commercial Aviation said: “Air Peace’s strategic and innovative approach continues to make them a powerhouse of aviation success in West Africa.”
“Already an E2 operator, it now makes sense to upgrade their ERJ145 fleet, offering passengers more seats and comfort with the E175. The commonality of the cockpits between the E1 and E2 fleet also simplifies aircrew costs and management.”
“Acknowledging Air Peace’s significant investment in the acquisition of the Embraer fleet of aircraft, which has increased to 18 brand new firm aircraft to date, Embraer, in partnership with Air Peace is committed to directly supporting the establishment of local maintenance capabilities in Nigeria.”
Nigerian E-Jets
The news of the Air Peace order lot for five Embraer E-Jets comes at the same time as fellow Nigerian operator Overland Airways has taken delivery of the first of three E175 regional commuter jets.
This becomes the first of the type to be operated by Overland Airways, who are also going through a fleet renewal process. They have options for a further three E175 E-Jets.
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