President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been commended by Air Peace Limited’s chairman and CEO, Allen Onyema, for giving the policy backing that enabled the airline’s historic Abuja–London Heathrow trip.

According to him, foreign airfares were reduced from up to $13,000 to roughly $3,000 thanks to the president’s assistance.

In an interview with ARISE News on Wednesday, Onyema characterized the achievement as a turning point for Nigeria’s aviation industry and evidence of what can be accomplished via successful cooperation between the public and private sectors.

“I want to thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for making this happen. This is an illustration of how the government may foster prosperity in the private sector.

“The private sector is essential to the development of any nation, as it embodies and carries out the goals and objectives of the government.”

“President Tinubu made the right decision for our nation. Due to his action, foreign airlines were forced to dramatically lower their ticket rates. The cost from Abuja to Heathrow has decreased from $13,000 to $3,000, according to Onyema.

His remarks followed the launch of a direct route from Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja to London Heathrow Airport on Sunday by Air Peace Limited.

“The flight took off this morning, Sunday, October 26, 2025, and is expected to arrive this evening in London, marking a major milestone for Nigeria’s aviation industry,” stated a statement released by Mr. Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development’s assistant.

According to Onyema, the flight has “saved Nigerians money and made flying affordable again.” Due to the arrival of competition, even the British passengers on our flights were pleased.

The head of Air Peace disclosed that the airline now has 14 weekly flights between Nigeria and the UK, including routes from Lagos to London Gatwick and Abuja to London Heathrow—a first for any Nigerian airline.

He claimed that foreign airlines were compelled to reassess their fares as a result of entering the lucrative UK route, which was advantageous to all travelers.

“This is the first time that a Nigerian airline will operate the Abuja–London Heathrow and Lagos–London Gatwick routes concurrently.

It has made the corridor accessible not only to Europe but to the whole world. Because of our reasonable fares, many of our passengers are traveling to America, Canada, and Asia via London, saving a significant amount of money.

He said, “You can now fly other airlines at reduced fares even if you don’t fly Air Peace.”

“Air Peace can’t fly everyone, but at least Nigerians have an option now,” he remarked.

Onyema acknowledged that Nigerian airlines have regained access to international leasing alternatives during Tinubu’s administration, following more than 15 years of limitations, and commended Keyamo for spearheading the president’s aviation strategy.

“I can’t stop praising Festus Keyamo.” He is putting Mr. President’s vision and mission into full effect. Leasing possibilities will be available to Nigerian airlines for the first time.

“The business was blacklisted for more than 15 years, but this administration made all the changes. They agreed to the Cape Town Convention Practice Direction, which permits large leasing firms to enter Nigeria.

“Nigerian aviation has a new lease of life thanks to the government,” he stated.

Onyema also praised the government’s decision to eliminate the 4% FOB tax on imported aviation parts, claiming that this kind of responsive policy has increased investor confidence.

“We are merely requesting helpful policies, not financial assistance. The president promptly eliminated the levy when we protested about it. That is the action of a government that pays attention.

However, Onyema issued a warning against bureaucratic animosity toward native businesses.

Pull-him-down syndrome is still a problem for certain folks. The country suffers when a business like Air Peace, which employs more than 10,000 Nigerians, is destroyed. Job loss increases people’s sense of insecurity.

He reiterated Air Peace’s dedication to promoting Nigeria abroad, emphasizing that the nation, not only its founder, is responsible for the airline’s success.

“Air Peace is about Nigeria, not about Allen Onyema. He continued, “Every time we fly our flag in London, we demonstrate what Nigerians can accomplish when the public and private sectors collaborate.”

According to reports, Kayemo stated in June 2025 that the historic flight was the result of the Federal Government’s persistent diplomatic efforts to uphold reciprocity in international air transport agreements.

According to the minister, the breakthrough came about as a result of a letter sent by the ministry to Rt. Hon. Louise Haigh, the UK Secretary of State for Transport, on August 1, 2024.