Air Peace’s Brazil Route: A New Dawn for Nigeria’s Aviation Industry

L-R: Mr. Festus Keyamo, Minister for Aviation and Aerospace Development; President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva; and Brazil’s Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filhos, at the Signing of BASA, in Brazil Photo: State House

When Air Peace received approval to operate direct flights between Lagos and São Paulo, it was hailed as more than just another international expansion for the privately owned airline. To industry stakeholders, the move represents a breakthrough for Nigeria’s aviation industry, an economic lifeline for traders and exporters, and a cultural bridge reconnecting Africa with South America.

The approval for the direct flight arrangement is one of the agreements President Bola Ahmed Tinubu reached with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, during the former’s state visit to the South American country.

President Lula, at a joint conference with Tinubu, said an agreement had been reached.

President da Silva stated: “Increasing the direct connections between Nigeria and Brazil is another essential step to strengthen the ties between our societies.

“We have approved the launch of a direct flight, to be operated by Nigeria’s largest airline company, Air Peace, between Lagos and São Paulo”, he said.

Following a two-hour extended bilateral meeting, the two leaders witnessed the signing of agreements and MoUs at the Palácio do Planalto in Brasília.

Mr. Festus Keyamo, Minister for Aviation and Aerospace Development, and Brazil’s Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filhos, signed a Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) to boost trade and people-to-people ties.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva

Reclaiming Lost Ground

The Lagos–São Paulo service is historic. It will be the first direct air link between Nigeria and South America in decades. In the 1980s and 1990s, Brazilian carrier Varig briefly operated flights to Lagos, while Nigeria Airways—the now-defunct national carrier—maintained limited connections with Latin America. But following the collapse of Nigeria Airways in 2003, such routes disappeared.

For over two decades, Nigerians and Brazilians making the journey have had to endure long detours through Europe or the Middle East, often spending more time in transit lounges than in the air.

“This is about more than commercial viability; it is about restoring lost connectivity,” says Lagos-based aviation analyst Adeolu Ojo. “For the first time in years, Nigerians will board a flight from Lagos and step off in São Paulo without changing airlines. That is significant.”

Mr. Festus Keyamo, Minister for Aviation and Aerospace Development and Brazil’s Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filhos

Air Peace’s Global Ambition

Founded in 2014, Air Peace has grown rapidly into Nigeria’s largest carrier, operating over 30 aircraft across domestic, regional, and international routes. Its foray into Brazil comes on the heels of high-profile launches such as Lagos–London and Lagos–Jeddah, which positioned the airline as a serious contender on the global stage.

The airline plans to deploy its Boeing 777 fleet on the Brazil route, with an eye on eventually bringing in next-generation wide-body aircraft such as the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. These aircraft will not only provide comfort but also deliver the fuel efficiency required to keep long-haul operations sustainable.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and  Air  Peace Chairman Allen Onyema

“Our mission is to connect Nigeria to the world and the world to Nigeria,” Air Peace Chairman Allen Onyema often stresses. “Every new route we open is a statement that a Nigerian airline can compete with the best globally.”

A Bridge Across the Atlantic

The cultural significance of this route cannot be overstated. Brazil is home to the largest African-descended population outside Africa, with millions tracing their roots to West Africa, particularly Nigeria’s Yoruba and Bini ethnic groups. From language to religion to music, echoes of Nigerian heritage remain strong in Brazil.

“It’s not just about flights—it’s about reconnecting people across the Atlantic,” an Air Peace’s Corporate Communications official says Tuesday night, “We are bridging centuries of history, trade, and family ties.”

Beyond culture, tourism and academic exchange are also expected to benefit. Nigerian universities and cultural institutions already collaborate with counterparts in Brazil, and the easier air link is expected to deepen those ties.

Boosting Trade and Commerce

Nigeria and Brazil share more than history—they are two of the largest economies in their respective continents. Both are G20 members and maintain significant trade relations in oil, agriculture, and manufactured goods.

A direct air link is expected to unlock new trade opportunities. Cargo operators are particularly optimistic. Fresh agricultural produce, textiles, and manufactured goods from Nigeria can now reach South America more quickly and competitively.

“With cargo belly space on these flights, Nigerian exporters will finally bypass costly European routes,” says freight forwarder Chika Okeke. “It will save time, reduce costs, and make Nigerian goods more competitive in Brazil.”

Brazil, on its part, will find a more direct channel for exporting machinery, industrial products, and food items to Nigeria.

 

Diplomatic and Geopolitical Gains

Diplomatically, the Brazil route aligns with Nigeria’s renewed push for South–South cooperation. The federal government has often highlighted the need to strengthen ties with fellow developing economies, and direct air connectivity is a practical way of doing so.

Officials also see it as an opportunity to boost Nigeria’s soft power. For decades, foreign airlines—particularly European and Middle Eastern carriers—have dominated Nigeria’s long-haul skies. With Air Peace entering markets like London and São Paulo, Nigeria is finally projecting its own flag abroad.

“It’s a matter of national pride,” notes aviation consultant Chris Aligbe. “When a Nigerian airline lands in London or São Paulo, it changes perceptions. It tells the world that Nigeria is not just a consumer of air services—it is a provider.”

Challenges Ahead

The optimism is high, but sustaining long-haul operations is never easy. Rising jet fuel costs, foreign exchange scarcity, and stiff competition from heavily subsidized global carriers are constant threats.

Analysts argue that Air Peace will need strong partnerships to make the Brazil route viable. Codeshare or interline agreements with Brazilian carriers could help passengers connect beyond São Paulo to other South American destinations such as Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, and Buenos Aires.

Air Peace, however, has shown resilience before. Its Lagos–London service, launched earlier this year, has continued to attract strong passenger numbers despite skepticism at inception. The airline’s mix of competitive fares, aggressive cargo strategy, and patriotic support from Nigerians has kept it afloat.

Policy Support and Reciprocity

The designation of Air Peace for the Brazil route also reflects a more supportive policy environment. For years, Nigerian airlines struggled to gain equal access under bilateral air service agreements while foreign airlines enjoyed lucrative slots in Nigeria.

By pushing Air Peace into Brazil, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the federal government are signaling a more assertive approach to reciprocity.

“This is how you balance the equation,” says a senior official at the Ministry of Aviation. “If foreign airlines enjoy multiple frequencies into Nigeria, our carriers must also enjoy similar rights abroad. Otherwise, it’s not a partnership—it’s exploitation.”

A Symbol of Pride and Possibility

For ordinary Nigerians, the significance of the Brazil route is more personal. It means shorter journeys, competitive fares, and the pride of flying a Nigerian flag carrier across the Atlantic. For the diaspora in Brazil, it means easier access to home. For the aviation sector, it is proof that local carriers can once again dream big.

Air Peace’s leap into São Paulo is therefore not just another route—it is a signal that Nigeria’s aviation industry, long dominated by foreign players, is ready to reclaim its place on the global stage.

As Onyema himself puts it: “We are not just running an airline—we are rewriting the narrative of African aviation. Nigeria should no longer be on the margins of global connectivity.”