Nigeria’s largest private carrier, Air Peace, has launched direct services from Abuja (ABV) to London Heathrow (LHR), deploying a newly acquired Boeing 777-200ER to support expanded UK connectivity and longer international routes. The Abuja–Heathrow inaugural flight took place on 26 October 2025, a key milestone in Air Peace’s 11-year growth story.
The carrier is also progressing a major maintenance-repair-and-overhaul (MRO) project in Lagos in partnership with Embraer, and recently added a 777 registered 5N-CEG to its wide-body fleet, moves that together aim to strengthen Air Peace’s long-haul capabilities and reduce dependence on overseas MRO. Airline statements and industry sources confirm the fleet and facility announcements.
Air Peace expands UK network
Air Peace’s Abuja-Heathrow launch adds a new capital-to-capital connection and follows the airline’s existing Lagos-Gatwick services. The airline said it will also operate Abuja-Gatwick, increasing the number of UK gateways it serves. AviationWeek reported on the inaugural and quoted government and airline officials on the strategic significance.
Why it matters
- Heathrow access increases Nigeria’s direct connectivity to Europe, improves business and diaspora travel options, and signals Air Peace’s ability to operate slot-competitive long-haul services. Industry analysts note that slots and bilateral traffic rights, not just aircraft, determine success on these demanding markets.
Fleet modernisation: Boeing 777 joins the fleet
Air Peace received a Boeing 777-200ER (registration 5N-CEG) in August 2025 and has positioned the type for these new long-haul missions. The airline’s website and fleet trackers confirm the delivery and subsequent entry into service. A larger wide-body capability enables South America and transatlantic ambitions announced earlier in the year.
Operational note
Operating a 777 on transcontinental routes requires crew training, ETOPS/operational approvals and ground handling readiness at destination airports, all steps Air Peace has been preparing for, according to public statements.
Local MRO and industrial strategy
Air Peace has publicly broken ground on a 34,000 sqm MRO facility in Lagos in partnership with Embraer. The project aims to service single- and twin-aisle aircraft regionally, reduce foreign maintenance spend, and develop local technical skills. Industry outlets and the airline confirm the project’s start and Embraer collaboration.
Economic impact claim, caution
Vanguard cites large job-creation numbers tied to the MRO; while the MRO will create skilled roles, independent economic assessments should be used before quoting large employment multipliers as hard figures.
Routes beyond the UK, Brazil and the Caribbean
Air Peace has signalled ambitions for South America and Caribbean services, including Lagos–São Paulo and Lagos–Antigua, building on government bilateral agreements and prior announcements about a Lagos–São Paulo service. Industry reports confirmed the Sao Paulo route plan and bilateral arrangements earlier in 2025.
Timeline & quick facts
- Aug 22, 2025: Boeing 777-200ER (5N-CEG) ferried to Lagos; airline confirms delivery.
- Sep 17, 2025: Groundbreaking for Lagos MRO facility announced; Embraer involvement reported.
- 26 Oct 2025: Inaugural Abuja-Heathrow flight; ministerial and airline statements mark the event.
What’s next? outlook for Air Peace and Nigerian aviation
- Short term: Monitor load factors and yield on Abuja-Heathrow as initial commercial results will determine frequency and sustainability. Watch for authority confirmations on slot retention at Heathrow and Gatwick.
- Medium term: The Lagos MRO’s commissioning will be pivotal, it can reduce offshore maintenance costs and attract regional traffic if certified to global MRO standards. Embraer’s technical partnership is a positive indicator for capability transfer.
- Risks: Long-haul operations are capital-intensive; success depends on steady bilateral traffic rights, competitive yields, maintenance maturity and broader macroeconomic factors (fuel, currency, demand).
Sources
Key operational facts in this story are sourced from:
- Air Peace official announcements and blog posts.
- AviationWeek coverage of the Abuja–Heathrow launch.
- CAPA / Centre for Aviation and industry notices on the Lagos MRO and 777 delivery.
- Planespotters.net, Fleet registries and plane-spotting trackers for registration confirmation (5N-CEG).
