By Damilare Adeleye
Air Peace has announced plans to commence international flight operations from Ogun State’s Gateway International Airport to London starting this summer.
The Chief Executive Officer of the airline, Allen Onyema, disclosed this to journalists after inspecting the airport facilities alongside Ogun State Gov. Dapo Abiodun.
The visit followed the official commissioning of the airport by Pres. Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Saturday.
Speaking with journalists, Onyema said Air Peace will operate flights from the airport to both London Gatwick Airport and Heathrow Airport, describing the development as a major milestone for Ogun State’s aviation sector.
“This is one of the best-equipped airports in Sub-Saharan Africa, and Air Peace will not sit back and allow this facility to remain underutilised.
“When you see a promising initiative, you must embrace it,” Onyema said.
He added that the airport’s infrastructure meets global standards, noting that its 4km runway can accommodate large aircraft such as the Airbus A380.
The airline, he said, plans to deploy its Boeing 777 fleet for the London route.
“We are proud to associate with Ogun State Airport through the invitation of the governor to commence London-Gatwick and London-Heathrow operations from Gateway International Airport this summer,” he said.
Onyema also revealed that he has received approval from the Minister of Aviation to proceed with the operations, describing the project as a national asset.
Meanwhile, Gov. Abiodun said the state government plans to expand the airport’s ecosystem with the construction of an international conference and convention centre, as well as a 550-room five-star hotel to boost business and tourism.
He disclosed that cargo operations have commenced with Allied Air, while Ethiopian Airlines is expected to begin operations soon. He added that another European carrier is also set to launch cargo services.
Abiodun projected that about 50 cargo flights will operate through the airport between April and the end of the year.
He also revealed the establishment of Gateway Airlines, which has acquired 2 Bombardier CRJ900 aircraft.
The 90-seater planes are expected to enhance connectivity between Ogun State, Abuja and other major cities across Nigeria.