Air Peace Chairman Allen Onyema Denounces Sabotage as Air Peace Secures Heathrow Slot, Expands London Route to Abuja

 

Chairman of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, has called on Nigerians to reject what he described as a culture of internal sabotage targeting indigenous enterprises. Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos on Wednesday, Onyema lamented what he termed as an orchestrated attempt to discredit the airline, especially at a time when it is breaking new ground on the international aviation stage.

Air Peace recently achieved a major milestone by securing coveted landing slots at London’s Heathrow Airport, a development hailed by Onyema as a victory not just for the airline, but for Nigeria as a whole. The carrier has been operating flights between Lagos and London since March, and will commence Abuja to London services on October 26.

Addressing journalists at the airline’s corporate headquarters, Onyema expressed frustration over what he views as unfair treatment and negative narratives aimed at undermining the company’s achievements. Without directly naming Adams Oshiomhole, the former governor of Edo State and now senator, Onyema made veiled references to recent criticisms that have arisen following a reported dispute at Murtala Muhammed Airport.

"Air Peace has done a lot for our fatherland and we will continue to do it because we see it as a calling, not merely a profit-driven venture," Onyema said. He added that the airline had spent billions of naira over the years assisting the Nigerian government and citizens at no charge, referencing repatriation missions and emergency flights in times of crisis.

The businessman emphasized the need for Nigerians to rise above ethnic and regional sentiments that have, in his view, hindered national growth and private sector development. According to him, the prevalent "pull-him-down syndrome" among citizens, where local successes are met with suspicion and hostility, must be abandoned if Nigeria is to progress.

He challenged government agencies and individuals to rethink their approach to indigenous enterprises, stressing that the survival of businesses like Air Peace has a direct impact on national stability. “If you destroy any indigenous business that is providing massive job opportunities, and people lose their jobs, you do not know where the next suicide bomber, the next armed robber, the next kidnapper will come from,” Onyema warned.

He further urged Nigerians to look beyond tribal affiliations when assessing the contributions of private entities. “Do not look at a business and say, this is owned by an Igbo man, therefore let us bring it down. Because this business is owned by a Hausa man, let us bring it down. We should begin to fight for our own and love this country more.”

Tensions recently flared after Oshiomhole reportedly missed a flight operated by Air Peace. The airline maintained that the senator failed to check in online and did not meet the check-in deadline at the airport, a position that has since sparked public debate and media scrutiny.

Despite the friction, Onyema remained focused on the bigger picture. He credited Nigerian government officials, including President Bola Tinubu and Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo, for their support in expanding the airline’s international reach.

He described the granting of Heathrow slots as a vote of confidence by the British government in the operations and professionalism of Air Peace. “This is a testament to their belief in what Air Peace is doing,” he noted, thanking British authorities for their cooperation and support. In addition to Heathrow, the UK also approved seven-day flight access to Gatwick Airport, which Onyema said would further cement the airline’s presence in the United Kingdom.

The airline has been positioning itself as a key player in Africa’s aviation sector. Since launching its Lagos-London route, it has offered significantly more affordable fares than legacy foreign carriers, making international travel more accessible to many Nigerians. This move has disrupted the market and earned Air Peace both praise and criticism, depending on which side of the commercial divide one stands.

As the October 26 launch of the Abuja-London route draws nearer, Onyema urged all stakeholders, including the media, to rally behind Nigerian companies striving to elevate the country's reputation globally. “We must be deliberate in promoting the well-being of Nigerian businesses because they provide jobs and help shape the global image of our country,” he said.

Onyema’s remarks served both as a celebration of Air Peace’s latest achievement and a call to national introspection. At a time when local companies are pushing into competitive global markets, he argued, unity and support from home are more critical than ever.