By Joy Baba-Yesufu
Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest carrier, has announced an agreement to dry-lease four Boeing 737-800 aircraft from Slovak carrier AirExplore for the yuletide 2024/2025 season.
This move is part of Air Peace’s effort to enhance its domestic operations out of its main hub in Lagos, aiming to cater to the increased demand expected during the bustling yuletide period.
According to the agreement, the dry-leasing arrangement will see AirExplore, a subsidiary of Avia Solutions Group (ASG), supply pilots for the aircraft, while Air Peace will provide cabin crew who are currently on training program for the task.
Ejike Ndiulo, Head, Corporate Communications, Air Peace Limited, explained that the unique setup would allow Air Peace to maintain its high standards of customer service while leveraging AirExplore’s operational expertise.
“Passengers can expect efficient and familiar service onboard, in line with Air Peace’s established reputation,” he added.
Ndiulo disclosed that Air Peace’s existing fleet is robust, comprising seven Boeing 737-300s, four Boeing 737-500s, a Boeing 777-200ER, two Boeing 777-300s, eight Embraer E145s, five Embraer E195-E2s, and an executive Dornier 328-300. He explained that the airline also has ambitious expansion plans, with pending orders for five Embraer E175s, eight more Embraer E195-E2s, and 10 Boeing 737-8s.
This is in addition to the two Boeing 737-700s from Mongolia’s Eznis Airways on wet-lease, thus highlighting Air Peace’s commitment to adaptability and growth.
This latest collaboration with AirExplore is not the first between Air Peace and ASG’s ACMI/charter specialists.
These partnerships have proven essential for Air Peace to sustain seamless operations, especially during peak travel times.
However, the Airline is silent on how the new Boeing 737-800s will integrate into the fleet—whether to supplement or eventually replace the two wet-leased Boeing 737-700.
