AirExplore has entered into a contract with Nigeria-based Air Peace to lease four Boeing 737-800NG aircraft from November 2024 through March 2025.
According to a statement released on Aug. 12, 2024, these aircraft will be operated under a damp-lease agreement to enhance Air Peace’s capacity during the period. A damp lease is a type of leasing agreement where the lessor supplies the aircraft, flight crew, and maintenance, while the lessee provides the cabin crew. Under this arrangement, AirExplore will provide the aircraft, pilots, maintenance, and insurance, while Air Peace will supply the remaining cabin crew for domestic flights within Nigeria.
“We are excited about this new partnership for the winter season,” Martin Stulajter, Chief Executive Officer at AirExplore said. “This collaboration will benefit the client’s customers and strengthen our presence in the African aviation market while sustaining revenue during the challenging winter period.”
The contract was finalized during a recent visit to Lagos, Nigeria, where both Stulajter and Air Peace CEO, Allen Onyema, agreed on the terms. The two airlines have a history of collaboration, and this visit was aimed at further expanding their cooperation. This agreement also reinforces AirExplore’s presence in the African aviation market during a typically slow season.
“We look forward to working closely with the team at Air Peace as we continue to enable each other’s growth and success,” Stulajter said.
Air Peace will base the leased aircraft in Lagos, where they will complement the airline’s existing fleet of 12 Boeing 737 aircraft, along with other aircraft types. AirExplore operates under the banner of Avia Solutions Group.
The leased aircraft will also help address the gap caused by the unavailability of Air Peace’s grounded 737 fleet, which is currently out of service for maintenance. The airline has about nine aircraft out of service, including three 737-300s and one 737-500s.
Air Peace’s narrow-body fleet also includes five Embraer ERJ195-E2s, with three of them currently inactive. Additionally, the airline is expecting the delivery of eight more aircraft, including five E175s and ten Boeing 737 MAX 8s. The rest of the fleet comprises of a 777-200ER, two 777-300s, and six ERJ145s operated by its domestic subsidiary, Air Peace Hopper.
