By ITOHAN ABARA-LASERIAN

Nigeria?s carrier, Air Peace, has celebrated the arrival of its landmark dry-lease Boeing 737-NG.

The arrival resulted from a partnership between Air Peace and AerCap, a leading aircraft leasing company.

The arrival is a major step in strengthening Nigeria?s aviation capacity and global competitiveness after almost 20 years.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the aircraft was unveiled by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo (SAN), at the General Aviation Terminal one on Friday in Lagos.

At the event, Keyamo described the development as historic for Nigeria?s aviation industry.

He said that it showed the confidence of global partners in the nation?s air transport sector and private operators such as Air Peace.

?This partnership between Air Peace and AerCap is a testament to the credibility and operational excellence our local carriers are gradually building.

?It shows that Nigerian airlines can attract the confidence of world-class institutions in the global aviation value chain,? Keyamo said.

He added that the ministry remained committed to supporting Nigerian airlines through improved regulatory frameworks, bilateral air services agreements and targeted fiscal incentives to ensure sustainability in aviation business.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Dr Allen Onyema, described the development as a ?bold leap? in Nigeria?s aviation story.

He said that the dry-lease partnership with AerCap would allow Air Peace to maintain ownership and operational control of its aircraft while benefitting from AerCap?s technical expertise and fleet management support.

?This is not just about fleet expansion; it is about positioning Nigeria to compete globally.

?We are proud to be partnering with AerCap, the world?s leading aircraft lessor, in a deal that signals trust, transparency and long-term vision,? Onyema said.

He said that the partnership would also help Air Peace to optimise routes, enhance maintenance standards, and improve passenger experience, especially across the airline?s growing intercontinental network.

Dr Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe the Managing Director of Fidelity Bank Plc., which facilitated aspects of the financing structure, commended Air Peace for prudence and governance culture.

She was represented by the bank?s Executive Director, Risk Management, Mr Kevin Ugwuoke.

The managing director said that Nigerian banks were ready to support credible indigenous players scaling into the global market.

?This transaction demonstrates that when Nigerian businesses adopt international best practices, funding and partnership opportunities will naturally follow.

?Fidelity Bank is proud to have played a supporting role in enabling this milestone for Air Peace,? she said.

The Irish Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Peter Ryan, described the collaboration as a bridge of trust between Nigeria and Ireland, given AerCap?s Irish origin and global leadership in aircraft leasing.

?Ireland is home to the world?s aircraft leasing industry, and today, we celebrate Nigeria joining that ecosystem in a meaningful way.

?This partnership will open doors for deeper technical and educational exchanges in aviation management and finance,? the ambassador said.

In his remarks, AerCap?s Vice President, Leasing, Mr Gas Wavomba, praised Air Peace?s operational record and commitment to compliance.

He said that AerCap?s decision to collaborate with the airline followed extensive due diligence and confidence in its leadership.

?Our collaboration with Air Peace reflects our confidence in Nigeria?s aviation market and the growing opportunities on the African continent.

?We are delighted to work with a carrier that shares our vision for safety, reliability and customer satisfaction,? he said.

NAN reports that the event was attended by officials of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, representatives of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, other industry stakeholders and members of the diplomatic community.

The Air Peace/AerCap partnership is coming at a time when Nigeria is intensifying efforts to attract foreign investment into the aviation sector and strengthen local capacity through public/private partnerships.

With the partnership, Air Peace is expected to expand its international footprint. (NAN)

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