Air Peace has dismissed allegations by SaharaReporters claiming that the airline, in collaboration with the Federal Government, deceived Nigerians over the proposed Lagos–São Paulo direct flight, describing the report as misleading and unfounded.
In a statement issued by the Management of the Airline, the airline clarified that the agreement reached between Nigeria and Brazil was a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) and not the launch of a commercial flight, stressing that no ticket sales, flight schedules, or commencement dates were ever announced.
According to Air Peace, an MoU represents a statement of intent between governments to deepen bilateral aviation cooperation and does not translate into immediate flight operations.
The airline explained that international long-haul routes require extensive regulatory and operational approvals before flights can begin. These include the implementation of Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) frameworks, approvals from Brazil’s civil aviation authority (ANAC), airport slot allocations in São Paulo, safety and insurance clearances, ETOPS certification, and aircraft deployment planning.
Air Peace further stated that no Nigerian passenger was stranded, as no tickets were sold and no booking platform was opened for the route.
On fleet capacity, the airline disclosed that it currently operates four Boeing 777-200/300 aircraft, with two deployed on its London Heathrow and Gatwick routes, while the remaining aircraft are available for other long-haul destinations, including São Paulo, once all regulatory and commercial processes are completed.
The airline also denied making any binding commitment to a fixed take-off date for the route, noting that international route development often takes years. It cited its London operations, which took about seven years from conception to launch, as an example.
Air Peace dismissed claims that the non-commencement of the Lagos–São Paulo route contributed to high international airfares, stating that it does not control foreign airlines or global pricing structures and that an MoU does not automatically translate into reduced ticket costs.
The airline described the report as part of a sustained campaign to undermine its operations, adding that it remains the only Nigerian airline with the capacity to operate transoceanic flights using its own wide-body fleet.
It also disclosed that preparations for the Lagos–São Paulo route began last year, with engagements ongoing between Nigerian authorities, the Brazilian government, and other relevant stakeholders.
Air Peace reiterated that all regulatory and commercial requirements must be fully concluded before flights can commence, emphasizing that passenger safety remains paramount.
The airline assured Nigerians that the Lagos–São Paulo route would be formally announced once all necessary approvals are secured, urging the public to rely on verified information rather than speculation.
One Comment