The Federal Government has approved Air Peace to begin direct passenger flights between Nigeria and Brazil, pending the airline’s provision of a suitable aircraft for the route.
This was revealed by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, during a television interview.
According to Tuggar, the development followed a bilateral agreement reached during the recent meeting between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
As part of the deal, Brazil’s flagship airline, LATAM, will commence cargo operations between the two countries once the arrangement is finalized.
“Air Peace is to be flying between Nigeria and Brazil. LATAM, Brazil’s own airline, will be flying cargo between Nigeria and Brazil. We already have the green imperative that is already up and running,” Tuggar stated.
The minister also referenced prior high-level engagements, noting that Brazil’s Vice President, who also oversees the country’s trade and investment portfolio, had visited Nigeria to reinforce the green imperative initiative, which involves launching agricultural projects across all local government areas in Nigeria.
In addition, Tuggar disclosed that both leaders agreed on a plan for Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer to set up a Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Nigeria. The facility is expected to serve Embraer aircraft within West and Central Africa.
“And as soon as Air Peace secures a plane that it can put on that route, the Brazilian equivalent of Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), National Civil Aviation Agency, has said they are ready to approve for them (LATAM) to start flying to Nigeria immediately,” Tuggar said.
Highlighting the urgency of the initiative, the minister quoted President Lula: “Look I am 79; President Tinubu is 73; we don’t have time. This has to be done as quickly as possible,” adding that President Tinubu also reiterated the need for swift implementation. “So, we have our marching orders, we are ready to go,” Tuggar concluded.
Air Peace, which has placed firm orders for 35 Embraer aircraft—including E195-E2 and E175 models—has so far received five of the jets. The airline is expected to deploy one of the aircraft types on the planned Brazil route.
Meanwhile, Air Peace confirmed that its Flight P47190, which operated from Lagos to Port Harcourt on Sunday morning, experienced a runway excursion after landing at Port Harcourt International Airport. The airline explained that the aircraft veered slightly off the runway but sustained no damage. All passengers disembarked safely and no injuries were reported.
“We reassure the flying public of our unflinching commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety in all our operations,” the airline stated.
