Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, has praised Fidelity Bank for recognising and supporting the financial discipline of Air Peace, describing the collaboration as a model for other Nigerian airlines.
“Because you can’t run an airline to this level without some kind of discipline and financial prudence,” Keyamo said. “You have heard this not from politicians but from bankers, and it’s not easy for a banker to say you are doing well.”
“Bankers, you know bankers. Before bankers say you are doing well, it’s not easy,” Keyamo said.
“But these bankers have said Air Peace is doing well every day. They are known for financial prudence and discipline, and that is why they got this done.”
Keyamo explained that the government fully supports such milestones because they align with its broader goal of empowering more Nigerian airlines to compete globally.
“Our dream does not end with empowering just one airline,” he noted.
“The structure we have put in place is available to all local operators. As a government, we want to support all of them to conquer both regional and international markets. We also need more wide-body aircraft because we already have several bilateral service agreements.”
The minister spoke during the arrival ceremony of Air Peace’s latest dry-leased aircraft, describing the event as evidence of Nigeria’s renewed aviation credibility and policy consistency.
Fidelity Bank Plc has commended Air Peace for achieving yet another historic milestone, describing the airline’s new dry lease arrangement as a transformative step for Nigeria’s aviation industry.
Executive Director, Risk Management, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Kevin Ugwuoke, who represented the bank’s Managing Director, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, expressed pride in the airline’s steady growth and strong governance culture.
“It’s been a long journey. We kicked off this aspect of the business in Dublin, but we’ve been with Air Peace right from inception,” Ugwuoke said.
“We’re delighted that this moment has come. For us, it was a no-brainer if we financed these operations, why won’t we support dry leases? This is great, and the cost is fantastic.”
He added that the dry-leased aircraft would further strengthen Air Peace’s capacity, expand its route network, and enhance Nigeria’s image globally.
“It’s a momentous occasion for the entire aviation industry in Nigeria because it opens up a new vista. I see a transformation happening,” Ugwuoke stated.
“We thank the Honourable Minister, Mr. Festus Keyamo, and Air Peace Chairman, Dr. Allen Onyema, for being great partners. We value our relationship and thank you for your commitment and loyalty.”
Also speaking, Executive Director of Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr. Kenneth Opara, praised Air Peace for its bold innovations that continue to redefine Nigeria’s air travel landscape.
“We are very proud of you. You’ve caused a lot of innovation to happen in the aviation industry,” Opara said.
“Just last week, we flew from Abuja to Heathrow, and the aircraft was filled to the brim. Coming back, it was the same story. This shows the strong appetite of Nigerians to use these services.”
Opara described the feat as timely and worthy of national celebration, assuring that Fidelity Bank would sustain its partnership with Air Peace to drive sustainable growth in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
“It’s something whose time has come, and it’s happening at this auspicious moment. We say very big congratulations to Air Peace for what you’re doing, and we also congratulate the Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority for his leadership,” he added.
With this Air Peace dry lease milestone, Fidelity Bank executives believe the development will deepen indigenous airline financing, enhance fleet reliability, and boost Nigeria’s standing in the global aviation market.
