In a recent development, Allen Onyema, the Chairman of Nigeria’s indigenous carrier Air Peace, has voiced serious concerns regarding what he perceives as a coordinated effort by foreign airlines operating on the Nigeria-UK route to drive Air Peace out of international operations. On a televised program, Onyema expressed his dismay over what he termed an “unspoken alliance” among these foreign carriers to undercut Air Peace’s presence on the Nigeria-London route by slashing airfares.
During an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today program, Onyema didn’t mince his words as he highlighted the potential ramifications of such actions. He warned that if Air Peace were prematurely forced out of the market, Nigeria would suffer significant economic losses, estimating the impact to be potentially tenfold, with billions of naira at stake. Such a scenario, he emphasized, would also exert immense pressure on the country’s currency, exacerbating existing economic challenges.
On March 30, 2024, Air Peace took a bold step in response to what it perceives as an unfair Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. The airline launched direct flight operations from Lagos to Gatwick Airport in London, marking a strategic move aimed at asserting its presence and competitiveness in the international aviation market.
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The allegations made by Onyema underscore the challenges faced by indigenous carriers like Air Peace in competing with well-established foreign airlines. Despite being a relatively new player in the industry, Air Peace has rapidly gained recognition for its commitment to safety, reliability, and customer service. However, the alleged concerted efforts by foreign carriers to drive out competition raise questions about the fairness and transparency of the aviation market.
In light of these developments, it is imperative for relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate the claims made by Onyema and ensure a level playing field for all airlines operating on the Nigeria-UK route. Additionally, there is a pressing need to review and renegotiate existing bilateral agreements to safeguard the interests of indigenous carriers and promote healthy competition within the aviation industry.
Ultimately, the fate of Air Peace and other Nigerian airlines navigating the complexities of international air travel hinges on the ability of stakeholders to address these challenges effectively and uphold principles of fairness, equity, and competitiveness in the global aviation landscape.
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