Air Peace has made history by operating the first-ever direct flight between Brazil and Nigeria, marking a new milestone in the nation’s aviation sector.

The inaugural São Paulo–Lagos flight, operated with a Boeing 777, follows the signing of a landmark Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Brazilian counterpart, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, in Brasília.

Speaking during the maiden flight, Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, highlighted the significance of the new route.

He noted that journeys which previously took up to 20 hours through Europe or the Middle East would now be shortened with the availability of direct services.

Keyamo also disclosed that Air Peace has ordered 21 Embraer jets from Brazil, strengthening trade and aviation ties between the two nations.

Allen Onyema, Chairman and CEO of Air Peace, lauded President Tinubu and the federal government for their leadership in making the historic development possible.

“The President has opened the door of the future for Nigeria. Instead of committing two days to travel to Brazil, we now have direct access to South America’s largest economy just as Nigeria leads in Africa. This partnership will bring immense opportunities for both nations,” Onyema said.

The federal government on Tuesday confirmed the BASA signing in a joint ceremony between Minister Keyamo and Brazil’s Minister of Transport, Silvio Costa Filho, witnessed by both Heads of State.

The agreement establishes a framework for direct air connectivity between Nigeria and Brazil, opening fresh avenues for trade, tourism, investment, and cultural exchange. Officials say it is expected to boost economic integration and enhance diplomatic cooperation between the countries.

President Lula da Silva described the partnership as a turning point, stressing Brazil’s readiness to deepen collaborations with Nigeria in aviation, agriculture, and infrastructure.

Reactions have continued to trail the development on social media, with many Nigerians hailing the move as a sign of progress in the aviation sector.

X user Mr. Mp (@mp71293850) wrote:

“With the way the Minister is going, I see more routes opening up and more bilateral relations taking place… and Nigerians too see all the consumer protection unit is doing to meet up to expectations and best practices. Kudos to you all. It’s a win for Nigeria. May Nigeria succeed,”

Similarly, Osas Igelugbo (@IgelugboOs84493) said:

“Aviation used to be Nigeria’s weakest link, now it’s becoming our strength. This direct flight from Brazil is a big win for business, tourism, and national pride. Thank you, President Tinubu!” (BusinessDay)