The Federal Government has approved Nigerian carrier Air Peace to commence direct passenger flights between Nigeria and Brazil. The announcement was made by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, during a recent television interview, in which he highlighted the growing aviation and trade cooperation between the two countries.
According to Tuggar, the green light for Air Peace followed bilateral discussions between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his Brazilian counterpart, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. However, the commencement of flights is subject to Air Peace securing an appropriate aircraft for the long-haul route.
In a reciprocal arrangement, Brazil’s largest airline, LATAM, is expected to begin cargo operations between Brazil and Nigeria once regulatory approvals are completed. “Air Peace is to be flying between Nigeria and Brazil. LATAM, Brazil’s own airline, will be flying cargo between Nigeria and Brazil,” Tuggar said.
The foreign minister also referenced earlier diplomatic engagements, including a visit by Brazil’s Vice President, who oversees trade and investment, to support the “green imperative” initiative. This programme aims to launch agricultural development projects in all of Nigeria’s local government areas.
Further strengthening bilateral ties, Tuggar revealed that Embraer, Brazil’s prominent aircraft manufacturer, is set to establish a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Nigeria. The facility will serve Embraer jets operating across West and Central Africa, positioning Nigeria as a regional aviation hub.
Tuggar quoted President Lula’s remarks during the meeting: “I am 79; President Tinubu is 73; we don’t have time. This has to be done as quickly as possible.” He added that President Tinubu echoed the urgency, instructing officials to expedite implementation.
Air Peace, which has already taken delivery of five of its 35 ordered Embraer aircraft, is expected to deploy one of the new-generation jets—either the E195-E2 or E175—on the Brazil route.
Meanwhile, Air Peace also reported a minor runway excursion involving its Flight P47190 from Lagos to Port Harcourt on Sunday morning. The aircraft veered slightly off the runway during landing at Port Harcourt International Airport but sustained no damage. All passengers disembarked safely, and no injuries were reported.
“We reassure the flying public of our unflinching commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety in all our operations,” the airline said in a statement.
