Air Peace Launches Lagos–São Paulo flight After Tinubu’s Brazil Aviation Pact

By: Aremu Toyeebaht

Air Peace has successfully operated its first direct Lagos–São Paulo flight, marking a historic milestone in Nigeria–Brazil relations and positioning Nigerian carriers on the global stage.

The inaugural flight, which carried members of Nigeria’s delegation and private-sector leaders, followed the landmark aviation agreement signed in Brasília, witnessed by President Bola Tinubu. The deal paves the way for Air Peace to commence direct passenger flights and Cavertin Airlines to handle cargo services between Nigeria and Brazil in the last quarter of 2025.

Speaking on the significance of the development, Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, said direct connectivity between Lagos and São Paulo will transform travel and commerce. “A journey that previously took nearly 20 hours through Europe or the Middle East will now be significantly shortened with direct flights operated by Air Peace,” he said. Keyamo also confirmed that Air Peace has ordered 21 Embraer jets from Brazil, strengthening aviation and trade partnerships.

Air Peace Chairman and CEO, Allen Onyema, praised the Federal Government for facilitating the milestone. “The President has opened the door of the future for Nigeria. Instead of committing two days to travel to Brazil, we now have direct access to South America’s largest economy, just as Nigeria leads in Africa. We need each other, and this partnership will bring immense opportunities,” Onyema said.

According to the Presidency, the Lagos–São Paulo route is expected to significantly boost trade, investment, tourism, and cultural exchange between Nigeria and Brazil, while also showcasing the capacity of Nigerian private enterprises to turn government agreements into tangible action.