Chairman, Air Peace Limited, Dr. Allen Onyema, has highlighted the role played by Fidelity Bank in the acquisition of aircraft at the inception of the carrier over a decade ago, despite the general reluctance of financial institutions to invest in the Nigerian aviation.

Speaking at the weekend, Onyema recounted how Dr. Nnamdi Okonkwo, then Managing Director of Fidelity Bank, approved critical financing that enabled Air Peace to acquire its first aircraft.

“Without the boldness of Fidelity Bank at a time when no Nigerian bank wanted to touch aviation, there might not have been an Air Peace today,” Onyema declared.

“The success of this airline belongs to those who stood with us in our early days when the odds were stacked against us.”

He emphasized that aviation remains one of the most capital-intensive industries globally, noting that even legacy carriers such as British Airways and Delta rely heavily on institutional financing.

Onyema’s acknowledgment underscores the critical role of strategic financial partnerships in developing Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem.

Delivering the keynote address titled: “Runways to Revenue: Leveraging Aviation to Deepen Nigerian Investment Opportunities,” Onyema, spoke passionately about the role of aviation in lowering trade costs, boosting tourism, facilitating people-to-people ties, and unlocking opportunities for bilateral growth.

Onyema declared: “Aviation is not a luxury; it is an economic lifeline. It lowers trade costs, attracts investments, boosts tourism, and strengthens people-to-people ties.”

Onyema highlighted Air Peace’s ongoing investments, including its groundbreaking for Africa’s largest Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Lagos, which will save Nigeria billions in foreign exchange and create jobs for thousands.

He further emphasized the transformative power of direct connectivity, citing Air Peace’s direct flight to Brazil, which cut travel time from days to just seven hours compared to other carriers’ lengthy routes.

Speaking at the induction, Prince Abimbola Olashore, President and Chairman of Council of the NBCC, commended Air Peace for “challenging the status quo in global aviation and redefining Nigeria’s trade links with the UK.”

He described the airline’s entry into the Chamber as “timely and significant for expanding mutual prosperity.”

In his remarks, Dr. Nnamdi Okonkwo, Chairman of the Membership Committee of NBCC, lauded Onyema’s leadership, recalling his pivotal role as Fidelity Bank CEO when Air Peace secured financing for its first aircraft.

“Air Peace’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and deep faith in Nigeria. Their induction into the NBCC only reinforces the Chamber’s commitment to fostering enterprises that transform bilateral trade,” Okonkwo stated. (The Nation)