Norse Atlantic Airways on February 26 announced a new partnership with Nigeria’s largest carrier Air Peace, introducing a new ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) charter service connecting London and Lagos, Nigeria.
Scheduled to commence in April 2024 for an initial two-month period, with the possibility of extension, this collaboration aims to provide seamless air travel between these significant destinations.
Bjørn Tore Larsen, CEO and Founder of Norse Atlantic Airways, expressed enthusiasm about the venture, stating in a press release, “We are excited to collaborate with Air Peace in launching this ACMI charter service between London Gatwick and Lagos. This partnership offers a unique opportunity to utilize our charter operation expertise, ensuring reliable and high-quality service for Air Peace and its customers.”
Under the agreement, three Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners from Norse Atlantic will operate as charters four times a week, utilizing Air Peace’s slots at London Gatwick. This will complement Air Peace’s five weekly flights to be operated with its own Boeing 777s, as confirmed by Air Peace’s CEO, Allen Onyema, in an interview with Arise News channel.
Allen Onyema expressed Air Peace’s satisfaction with the partnership, stating, “Air Peace is pleased to have entered into this partnership with Norse Atlantic Airways for our London service launch. As we expand into the European market, we believe this strategic collaboration will enable us to surpass our customers’ expectations, providing them with an exceptional air travel experience as we continually enhance our operations for innovative service delivery.”
Air Peace will inaugurate its flights between Lagos and London Gatwick on March 30. The Nigerian airline will face competition from British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, both of which operate four flights per week between Lagos and London Heathrow.
Negotiations for slot allocation at a London airport were challenging, with Air Peace initially offered Luton or Stansted, options it deemed less competitive compared to Heathrow or Gatwick.
Air Peace Plans U.S. Service
In further developments, Air Peace, the largest airline in Nigeria and West Africa, has received approval to commence flights to John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York. The approval, granted on February 9 following a request made on January 12, highlights the airline’s potential for expansion into the U.S. market.
Presently, Air Peace serves 19 destinations within Nigeria and 11 international destinations, including Mumbai, Johannesburg, and Jeddah, with plans to add New York-FK in the near future. The airline’s diverse fleet includes Embraer E195-E2s, Boeing 737s, Airbus A320s, and Boeing 777s, with additional aircraft awaiting delivery.
