Amanze Chinonye
West Africa’s largest carrier, Air Peace, has taken delivery of its first brand-new Embraer E175 aircraft, marking another significant milestone in its fleet modernisation programme and positioning the airline to deepen connectivity across Nigeria, West Africa and Central Africa, Prime Business Africa reports.
The acquisition is expected to strengthen the airline’s domestic and regional operations by enabling it to deploy right-sized aircraft on medium-demand routes, improve flight frequencies, expand into underserved destinations and reduce operating costs an increasingly important advantage as airlines grapple with rising fuel prices and operational challenges.
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The delivery, announced on Tuesday by Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer, further expands Air Peace’s growing fleet of modern aircraft. The airline already operates Embraer E195-E2, Embraer 190 and ERJ145 regional jets alongside its Boeing 737 and Boeing 777 aircraft.
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Dr. Allen Onyema, described the arrival of the E175 as another major step in the airline’s long-term growth strategy.
According to Onyema, the aircraft will enhance operational flexibility, broaden the airline’s market reach and reinforce its commitment to providing safe, reliable and efficient air transport services across Nigeria and neighbouring countries.
The delivery follows Air Peace’s September 2023 firm order for five brand-new E175 aircraft valued at about $288 million at list prices, as part of its broader strategy to build one of Africa’s youngest and most modern fleets.
When the agreement was signed, Onyema said the E175 would help realise the airline’s vision of connecting every part of Nigeria, strengthening regional operations across Africa and feeding passengers into its expanding international network through Lagos.
With a seating capacity of about 88 passengers, the E175 fills an important gap within Air Peace’s fleet. Larger than the ERJ145 but smaller than the E195-E2, the aircraft is well suited to routes where passenger demand is insufficient to justify larger aircraft but strong enough to sustain increased connectivity.
Aviation analysts say the aircraft’s introduction will allow Air Peace to increase frequencies on medium-density routes, launch additional regional destinations, optimise fleet deployment by matching aircraft capacity to demand, reduce fuel consumption and operating costs, and improve passenger comfort.
The E175 also shares cockpit commonality with the E195-E2, a feature expected to lower pilot training costs, simplify fleet management and improve operational efficiency.
The latest acquisition extends Air Peace’s sustained investment in fleet renewal over the past several years.
In 2021, the airline became Africa’s launch customer for the Embraer E195-E2 after taking delivery of the continent’s first aircraft of the type, signalling its commitment to operating newer, fuel-efficient aircraft.
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It further expanded its Embraer fleet in 2025 with the addition of Embraer 190 aircraft to strengthen its regional network.
The E175 joins the fleet as Air Peace continues to expand beyond Nigeria, operating scheduled services across West Africa while pursuing additional international routes.
The airline said the aircraft would also advance its “No City Left Behind” initiative by improving air connectivity between smaller Nigerian cities and neighbouring countries, widening access to commercial air travel and supporting regional economic integration.
Beyond Air Peace’s expansion plans, the acquisition underscores continued private-sector investment in Nigeria’s aviation sector at a time when many African carriers still depend on ageing fleets.
It also reinforces the airline’s strategy of building a modern, fuel-efficient fleet capable of supporting sustained growth while consolidating its position as one of Africa’s leading carriers.
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.
