Amanze Chinonye
Air Peace has dismissed what it described as a “malicious and misleading” report by SaharaReporters, which claimed the airline, in collaboration with the Tinubu administration, misled the public over plans for a direct Lagos–São Paulo flight.
In a statement released by its management, the airline said the report relied on “unnamed and unverifiable sources” and sought to malign both Air Peace and the Nigerian government.
The airline clarified that:
Join our WhatsApp Channel- No scam or deception occurred. Air Peace and the Federal Government never defrauded Nigerians regarding the proposed route.
- A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Brazil is not a flight launch but a statement of intent to deepen bilateral aviation cooperation. It does not guarantee immediate flight operations or ticket sales.
- No Nigerian passenger was stranded. Tickets were never sold, no booking platform was opened, and no flight date was announced. Any expectations of an imminent flight were “self-imposed,” the airline said.
- Launching an international long-haul route requires extensive regulatory approvals, including Bilateral Air Services Agreement implementation, certification by Brazil’s aviation authority (ANAC), slot allocations, safety and insurance approvals, and aircraft deployment planning.
Air Peace also noted that it has four Boeing 777-200/300 aircraft, two of which are currently deployed on London routes, with the remaining two ready for long-haul operations, including São Paulo, once all regulatory and commercial conditions are met.
The statement emphasized that the airline never committed to a fixed start date and warned against misrepresenting statements of intent as guarantees. Air Peace cited its London operations, which took seven years from conception to launch, as an example of the lengthy preparation required for international routes
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On the claim that Air Peace is responsible for high international fares, the airline rejected the allegation, stating it does not control global pricing or foreign airlines.
Air Peace described the SaharaReporters’ report as a “deliberate act of blackmail” sponsored by vested interests and accused the publication of using anonymous sources and sensationalism to generate public outrage.
The airline reaffirmed that it remains the only carrier in Nigeria and West Africa with the capacity to operate transoceanic flights using its own wide-body fleet. It added that engagement with both Nigerian and Brazilian authorities on the Lagos–São Paulo route began last year and that all safety and regulatory processes must be completed before operations commence.
“Until then, Nigerians deserve facts, not fear-mongering headlines,” the statement concluded.
Key Points from Air Peace’s Statement:
- No flight tickets were sold.
- No passengers were abandoned.
- No scam took place.
- An MoU does not equate to a flight launch.
Air Peace reiterated its commitment to transparency and professionalism and said the Lagos–São Paulo route will be formally announced once all operational requirements are met.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
