The management of Air Peace Airlines has announced the introduction of special airfares for students traveling on its upcoming direct flight route between Lagos, Nigeria, and London, United Kingdom.
The airline is set to commence operations on March 31, 2024, becoming the sole Nigerian carrier operating this route in the last five years.
Dr. Allen Onyema, Chairman of Air Peace, expressed the airline’s commitment to making air travel more affordable for students pursuing education in the UK during a travel agent forum held in Lagos. He emphasized the challenges faced by parents who struggle to afford return fares for their children studying abroad, resulting in prolonged separation. The special student fares introduced by Air Peace aim to alleviate this burden and enable parents to reconnect with their children without financial strain.
Air Peace’s entry into the London market is driven by its vision of creating job opportunities for Nigerians and addressing the issue of high fares on the Nigeria-London route. By offering cheaper fares, the airline aims to provide passengers with more choices and enhance their travel experience.
While specific details about the student fares were not disclosed, current air ticket prices for Nigeria-UK flights range from N1.5 million to N2.5 million, depending on the airline and booking time.
Mr. Bankole Bernard, Chairman of the Airlines and Passengers’ Joint Committee (APJC) of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), commended Air Peace’s decision to operate flights to London. He highlighted the importance of having a Nigerian carrier to balance trade between the two countries and expressed confidence that Air Peace’s daily flights to Gatwick would create a more balanced market for air travel.
Air Peace’s London route marks its entry into the European market. The airline will operate the service using Boeing 777 and B787 Dreamliner aircraft known for their modernity and efficiency. Additionally, Air Peace plans to launch with special promotional fares and attractive plans for travel agents.
By introducing affordable student fares, Air Peace aims to support education, reunite families, and reshape the air travel landscape between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. The airline’s commitment to connecting cities and fostering economic prosperity is driving its operational expansion and milestones.