FG reaffirms support for local airlines as Air Peace launches Abuja–London flight

The federal government has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening indigenous airline operators, as Festus Keyamo, minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, led dignitaries to flag off Air Peace’s maiden direct flight from Abuja to London Heathrow on Sunday.

Keyamo said the milestone underscores President Bola Tinubu’s drive to empower Nigerian carriers and enhance their competitiveness in the global aviation market.

“With the clear mandate from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that local carriers thrive and survive, we went to work. We discovered that over the last four decades, more than 100 airlines have come and gone.

“Our mission is to change that by providing the support and environment needed for local operators to grow sustainably,” Keyamo said.

Allen Onyema, chairman of Air Peace, commended the minister for his swift policy interventions, citing the removal of a 4 percent FOB charge on aviation imports as an example of the government’s renewed commitment to the industry.

“I remember when Customs imposed a 4 percent FOB charge on aviation imports. We approached the Honourable Minister, and within a week, that charge was removed.

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“He acted immediately, taking the matter to the Finance Minister and Customs. That’s the kind of leadership our industry needs,” Onyema said.

He added that the government’s responsiveness has eased operational pressures for domestic airlines and strengthened confidence in Nigeria’s aviation reform agenda.