The Chief Operating Officer of Air Peace, Toyin Olajide, has disclosed that economy class ticket seats on the airline flight to London from Lagos were fully booked for the next 60 days, counting from July.
This is as Nigerian travellers on the Lagos-London route, including a travel agent company, have commended the airline for its decision to start flight services to European countries three months ago.
In an interview recently in Lagos, Olajide noted that the airline had faced numerous challenges on the route, but expressed delight that the carrier had provided Nigerians with a choice.
According to Air Peace’s COO, the airline’s Sunday flight on June 30, 2024, was fully booked in economy class seats, while 41 seats in its business class were equally occupied.
She, however, regretted that its system did not advertise its first-class seats, an error that had been corrected by the management.
Also, she explained that Nigerians flying from the United States to the United Kingdom book Air Peace to Lagos, taking advantage of the cheap US-Europe flights.
She stated that by doing so, the travellers on the US-UK-Nigeria routes saved a lot of money, which they would have spent on direct US-Nigeria flights.
She added that Chinese citizens residing in Nigeria, fly Air Peace to London and connect China Southern Airlines to China in a bid to reduce airfares.
She said: “But our system did not advertise our first-class seats, an error that has been corrected. So, what it means is that we recorded a very high load factor, only 12 seats in the first class and one business class seat; that is, 13 seats were empty out of the 274-seat capacity aircraft. We thank Nigerians. We appreciate the fact that they are happy with the airline.
“We recently upgraded two passengers who flew from the US to London and used our flight to Lagos. We upgraded them from economy class to business class in appreciation of their commitment and desire to patronise us. But they also take advantage of the cheap flights between Europe and the US, and our flights are also affordable. So, this enables them to save a lot of money.
“The entrance of Air Peace into this market has not only increased accessibility but also diversified the passenger base. Remarkably, the airline has attracted elderly passengers who previously could not afford high ticket prices post-pandemic, as well as students returning home for family events and reunions. This influx has resulted in a 5 per cent to 15 per cent increase in passengers.”
According to Olajide, Air Peace’s operations have also played a crucial role in positively positioning Nigerian brands.
She noted that products like farm fresh yoghurt, Gratia chin chin flakes, Olu Olu chips, and local long-grain Nigerian rice had gained exposure and expanded their reach.
“This ripple effect has benefited small businesses and local farmers who supply produce like tomatoes, peppers, and spinach, contributing to an economic expansion of over N2bn,” she added.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, recently said the Federal Government had commenced the process of empowering Nigerian airlines to have direct access to international routes to the United States and South American countries.
On March 20, Air Peace commenced its Lagos-London flight services.
