In a historic leap towards strengthening international ties, Nigerian airline Air Peace became the first Nigerian carrier to operate nonstop, direct flights to the enchanting islands of Antigua and Barbuda in the Caribbean. This remarkable feat was accomplished on Friday, August 5, 2023, marking a significant moment in the aviation industry and bilateral relations between the two nations.
The new service was revealed as a one-time basis initiative in the updated OAG schedules listing on July 23, 2023. Air Peace’s Boeing 777 aircraft has been carefully scheduled to connect Lagos, Nigeria, and the picturesque Antigua, offering travelers a seamless journey between the two vibrant regions.
The inaugural flight, P47554, departed from Lagos at 16:00 GMT and arrived at Antigua’s V.C. Bird International Airport at 20:00 GMT on August 5, 2023. Conversely, the return flight, P47555, is scheduled to depart Antigua at 12:00 GMT on August 9, 2023, and touch down in Lagos at 02:00 GMT the following day.
The airline’s CEO, acknowledging the significance of this achievement, stated, “We are honored to be the first Nigerian airline to fly directly to Antigua and Barbuda. This milestone reflects the positive trajectory of Nigeria’s aviation industry and the opportunities it offers to connect with diverse regions around the world.”
Air Peace’s entry into the Caribbean skies has been further solidified with its recent joint initiative with the government of Antigua and Barbuda. In May 2023, the Nigerian carrier announced its intent to acquire a majority stake in LIAT 2020 Ltd, an airline based in Antigua. The strategic move aimed to revitalize LIAT 2020 and establish an airline that could cater to the demand for inter-island connectivity in the Eastern Caribbean.
Under this collaboration, Air Peace is in the process of acquiring a majority stake in LIAT 2020, which is headquartered at V. C. Bird International Airport (ANU) in Saint John, the capital city of Antigua and Barbuda. The partnership is expected to breathe new life into the previously stalled venture, enabling LIAT 2020 to provide reliable and safe air transport services throughout the region and beyond.
By capitalizing on LIAT 2020’s strategic location and established infrastructure, Air Peace hopes to create a formidable airline that can efficiently serve the travel needs of locals and tourists alike, promoting tourism, trade, and investment within the region.
Source: airspace-africa.com