Chinedu Eze
Nigeria’s major carrier, Air Peace Limited has announced that it would offer Nigerians studying in the UK special fares as it commences Lagos-London flight from March 30, 2024.
Chairman and CEO of Air Peace, Dr Allen Onyema made this known recently in Lagos when he addressed travel agents.
Onyema who unveiled the special package for students urged the agents to ensure the offer was not abused by passengers, noting that the fares will make it easy and affordable for students to return to Nigeria during holidays and travel back at resumption.
He said that he decided to give this offer to young Nigerians studying in the UK to help them connect with home regularly so that they would not stay permanently overseas and get acculturated.
“Several parents have been disconnected from their children. Many students have not been home for over two years because their parents cannot afford return fares to London. Parents will no longer suffer to raise money for fares for their children because the student fares will be affordable for all parents.
“My children all schooled abroad and we insisted that they return to Nigeria during their school breaks no matter how short the duration of the holidays. This is to enable us remain connected to our children and ensure they stick to our values and culture. I know this is also the desire of several other parents but this desire has been cut short because of high fares travelling to and from Nigeria, But this narrative will change as soon as Air Peace commences flights to London,” Onyema said.
Former President of National Association of Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), Bankole Bernard told newsmen at the event that Air Peace’s London flight is a welcome idea, especially as Nigeria would now have its own carrier creating balance of trade which is not tilted to one side.
“There will be a bit of balance. Air Peace has been given a daily slot to Gatwick, which amounts to seven frequencies, compared to 21 frequencies that the legacy airlines have; 14 in Lagos and seven in Abuja. To an extend, we have something that will balance it up,” Bernard said.
The Chief Operating Officer, Air Peace, Oluwatoyin Olajide during her speech at the event said the London route means a lot to Nigeria because its indigenous airline will be operating to London with affordable fares and good service. She said it is also good for Air Peace for several reasons, major one being that it marks the airline’s historic entry into the European market.
