Air Peace, has marked another major milestone with the arrival of a dry-leased Boeing 737-700 NG from AerCap, the world’s leading aircraft leasing company, representing Nigeria’s first dry lease in nearly a decade and signaling renewed global confidence in the nation’s aviation sector.

The arrival ceremony, held at the Zulu Terminal Complex of Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, attracted top dignitaries, industry regulators, and financial partners.

Notable attendees included Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN; Irish Ambassador to Nigeria, Peter Ryan; NCAA Director General, Captain Chris Najomo; FAAN Managing Director, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku; and Fidelity Bank executives led by Managing Director/CEO, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, alongside Dr. Ken Opara and Kevin Ugwuoke.

In his keynote address, Air Peace Chairman, Dr. Allen Ifechukwu Onyema, expressed deep appreciation to all partners and the Federal Government for creating an enabling environment for the historic deal.

He reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to safety, integrity, and national service, emphasising plans to expand its fleet and regional network to boost connectivity and economic growth across Africa.

Minister Festus Keyamo hailed the milestone as “a turning point in restoring global trust in Nigerian aviation.”

He highlighted ongoing sector reforms, including the IDERA framework for investor protection, the planned reconstruction of Lagos International Airport, and the proposed Nigerian Aircraft Leasing Company to help domestic airlines access modern fleets under transparent regulations.

The minister commended Air Peace for “setting new industry benchmarks” and reiterated the Federal Government’s resolve to empower Nigerian airlines to capture a larger share of both the domestic and international markets.

Boeing’s Sales Director for Africa, Moore Ibekwe Jr., described the lease as “a landmark achievement for Nigeria and a testament to Air Peace’s operational excellence and commitment to growth.”

He noted that the collaboration between Boeing, AerCap, the NCAA, and the Ministry of Aviation reflects the growing international confidence in Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem.

AerCap’s Vice President of Leasing, Gad Wavomba, commended Air Peace for its persistence and professionalism throughout the process, attributing the success to recent government reforms, the NCAA’s 83Bis Agreement, and the strong cooperation with Irish aviation authorities.

Representing Fidelity Bank, Executive Director Dr. Ken Opara reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to supporting Air Peace’s growth trajectory, emphasising that strategic partnerships between financial institutions and indigenous carriers are essential to unlocking Nigeria’s full aviation potential.

Airpeace, Nigeria’s largest carrier, continues to strengthen its reputation as a symbol of national pride, innovation, and resilience in African aviation.