Air Peace, known for its commendable efforts in evacuating Nigerian citizens during challenging times, is gearing up to launch special flights from Lagos to London, specifically catering to Nigerian students studying in the United Kingdom.
This move, announced by Dr. Allen Onyema, the chairman and CEO of Air Peace, is aimed at encouraging students to return to Nigeria. In a recent interview, Dr. Onyema shared insights into this initiative and shed light on the challenges faced by Nigerian airlines, emphasizing the need for support from the government.
Dr. Onyema’s Meeting with Travel Agents
Last Wednesday, Dr. Onyema met with travel agents in Lagos to discuss Air Peace’s plans for offering special flights to Nigerian students in the UK.
The flights are scheduled to commence on March 30th, 2024. In an interview on “The Morning Show,” Dr. Onyema further elaborated on the details of this initiative, shedding light on the challenges faced and the unique aspects of Air Peace’s approach.
Choosing Gatwick Airport
One notable aspect discussed by Dr. Onyema is the decision to operate from Gatwick Airport, despite initial preferences for Heathrow. He highlighted the challenges faced in securing slots at Heathrow, emphasizing the need to explore alternatives.
The choice of Gatwick, although not the initial preference, has turned out to offer logistical advantages, making it a practical option for Air Peace’s operations.
Daily Flights and Enhanced Capacity
Air Peace plans to operate daily flights from Lagos to London, introducing three Dreamliners to complement their existing fleet. Dr. Onyema expressed confidence in offering a unique and competitive service, emphasizing the airline’s commitment to providing a superior experience for passengers.
The focus on enhanced capacity and daily flights aims to meet the demand for travel between Nigeria and the UK.
Addressing Brain Drain
A key motivation behind this initiative is Dr. Onyema’s concern about the brain drain affecting Nigeria. He emphasized the need to create opportunities for Nigerian students studying abroad to return home, contribute to the nation’s development, and reverse the trend of brain drain.
Dr. Onyema shared his personal commitment to facilitating affordable travel options for students, drawing from his own experiences with his children studying abroad.
Challenges Faced by Nigerian Airlines
Dr. Onyema candidly addressed the challenges faced by Nigerian airlines, highlighting the hostile business environment characterized by high borrowing costs, multiple charges, and a lack of adequate government support.
He underscored the need for a more supportive regulatory framework to enable local airlines to compete effectively and contribute significantly to the nation’s aviation sector.
Flight Delays and Passenger Education
Dr. Onyema provided insights into the prevalent issue of flight delays and cancellations in the Nigerian aviation sector. He attributed a significant portion of these challenges to unruly passenger behavior, a lack of understanding of scheduled operations, and the prevailing hostile environment.
Dr. Onyema advocated for passenger education to foster a better understanding of industry dynamics, emphasizing the need for collective responsibility to address these issues.
Call for Government Support
While acknowledging recent efforts by the government, Dr. Onyema stressed the importance of ongoing and more substantial support for Nigerian airlines.
He called for a reduction in charges, fair competition with foreign carriers, and a regulatory environment that fosters growth and sustainability.
Conclusion
Air Peace’s initiative to provide special flights for Nigerian students in the UK reflects a commendable effort to address brain drain and contribute to the nation’s development.
Dr. Allen Onyema’s candid discussion about the challenges faced by Nigerian airlines sheds light on the need for comprehensive government support and a conducive regulatory environment.
As Air Peace takes this bold step, the hope is that it will not only encourage students to return but also spark a positive transformation in Nigeria’s aviation sector.
