Nigeria’s largest carrier, Air Peace, has entered a dry-lease agreement with Slovak carrier AirExplore to lease four Boeing 737-800 aircraft for the upcoming 2024/2025 yuletide season. This strategic move aims to enhance the airline’s operations from its main hub in Lagos, ensuring it meets the anticipated surge in passenger demand during the festive period.
Under the agreement, AirExplore, a subsidiary of Avia Solutions Group, will supply pilots for the aircraft, while Air Peace will provide its cabin crew, who are currently undergoing training. Ejike Ndiulo, Head of Corporate Communications for Air Peace, assured passengers that the airline would maintain its high customer service standards despite the new setup, with AirExplore offering operational support and expertise.
“Our passengers can expect efficient and familiar service onboard, in line with Air Peace’s established reputation,” Ndiulo stated.
Air Peace’s existing fleet is made up of a diverse range of aircraft, including Boeing 737-300s, Boeing 777s, Embraer E145s, and Embraer E195-E2s. The airline also has ambitious expansion plans, including pending orders for additional Embraer E175s, Boeing 737-8s, and more Embraer E195-E2s. This fleet diversification supports Air Peace’s ongoing growth and commitment to offering reliable air travel across Nigeria and beyond.
In addition to the four Boeing 737-800s from AirExplore, Air Peace currently operates two Boeing 737-700s from Mongolia’s Eznis Airways on wet-lease. This flexibility in fleet management has allowed Air Peace to adjust to seasonal travel demands effectively. From 2021 to 2023, the airline successfully dry-leased two Airbus A320-200s from SmartLynx Airlines Malta, further demonstrating its adaptability during peak travel periods.
While the airline has not specified whether the new Boeing 737-800s will supplement or replace the two wet-leased Boeing 737-700s, industry analysts note that Air Peace’s strategic approach to fleet management strengthens its position as Nigeria’s leading carrier.
AirExplore, recently acquired by Avia Solutions Group, has been expanding its presence in the ACMI leasing market, operating a fleet of Boeing 737-800 aircraft, including both passenger and converted freighter models. This partnership enables Air Peace to bolster its domestic and regional network, ensuring smoother operations and a better travel experience for passengers.
As Air Peace ramps up its operations for the yuletide season, this new fleet expansion will support the airline’s mission to provide safe, efficient, and high-quality air travel across Nigeria. The dry-lease agreement is a step towards maintaining Air Peace’s leadership in the Nigerian aviation industry, with improved operational capacity to handle peak demand and enhance passenger satisfaction.
