Air Peace has partnered with Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer to expand its fleet and establish a maintenance facility in Nigeria, with both Nigerian and Brazilian presidents endorsing the initiative during recent bilateral discussions.
The Nigerian airline has placed orders for multiple Embraer E195-E2 jets and is receiving Embraer E175 aircraft as part of its fleet expansion strategy. Additionally, Embraer is supporting Air Peace in developing a maintenance center in Nigeria that will service the airline’s growing fleet and potentially other carriers.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar confirmed that Presidents Bola Tinubu and Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva have agreed to fast-track the partnership during their recent meeting at the BRICS summit.
Speaking in a Channels TV interview from 12:08, Tuggar revealed the scope of discussions between the two leaders regarding aviation cooperation. “This is one of the things that was discussed there, setting up a hub for checks for servicing of aircraft in Nigeria. And as soon as Air Peace secures a plane that they can put on that route, the Brazilian has said they’re ready to approve for them to start flying immediately,” he stated.
The Foreign Affairs Minister emphasized the urgency both presidents placed on implementing the agreement. “This is something the two presidents emphasized. President Lula said Look, I’m 79 and President Tinubu is 73, we don’t have time. And Mr. President also reemphasized that. So, we have our marching orders, and we’re ready to go,” the minister declared.
The partnership represents a significant development in Nigeria’s aviation sector, potentially positioning the country as a regional maintenance hub while expanding Air Peace’s international route network. The collaboration with Embraer, which has partial Brazilian government ownership, also strengthens bilateral ties between Nigeria and Brazil.
The initiative could reduce maintenance costs for Nigerian airlines and create employment opportunities in the aviation sector while supporting Air Peace’s expansion plans.
