Air Peace is Nigeria’s largest airline, and it’s also privately owned. The company has nearly three dozen planes, including some former Emirates Boeing 777s. The airline has big growth plans, and wants to operate all kinds of long haul routes. London is the next destination on Air Peace’s radar, but the airline isn’t happy with what it’s being offered there.
In this post:
Air Peace secures rights to fly to UK, but not Heathrow
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has recently granted Air Peace the right to launch flights to the country, in the form of a UK Third Country Operator (TCO) authorization. As you’d expect, Air Peace wants to fly to London, and unsurprisingly, the airline is being told to consider service to London Gatwick (LGW) or London Stansted (STN).
London Heathrow (LHR) is a heavily slot controlled airport, and landing and takeoff slots at the airport regularly sell for tens of millions of dollars. Furthermore, slots are controlled by Airport Coordination Limited (ALC), which is an independent company not run by the UK CAA.
Air Peace CEO Allen Onyema (who has been indicted for bank fraud in the United States) has rejected the offer for the airline to fly to any airport other than London Heathrow. He argues that with the Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, British Airways and Virgin Atlantic are given the privilege of serving Nigeria’s two primary airports, so a Nigerian airline should have the same privilege in the United Kingdom.
The current bilateral agreement between the countries allows a Nigerian airline to fly to London, though a specific airport isn’t named in the agreement. Meanwhile on the Nigerian side, Abuja (ABV) and Lagos (LOS) are mentioned.
Here’s how Onyema describes his stance:
“It took seven years for them to come and do the audit and you don’t blame them. Now we have got the approval. The next thing is slot and they are telling us to go to Stansted or take Gatwick. I’m not going to Stansted or Gatwick. You come to the primary airport in Nigeria and by BASA, you enjoy the two primary airports. So, you will give me your own primary airport. It must be Heathrow or nothing. We waited seven years and we must be there.”
Onyema even argues that foreign countries being held accountable in this way will be the key to Nigeria’s financial success:
“If Nigeria wants to come out of the doldrums of the dollar issue and the foreign reserves, they need to address the issue of multiple frequencies given to foreign airlines in this country. If Nigeria is flying to London, flying to the United States and every part of the world, the kind of foreign exchange we will attract to this country will be unbelievable.”
This a ridiculous ask, but it might work
Air Peace’s ask here is unreasonable, plain and simple. Heathrow has the world’s most valuable slots, and most of them are owned or leased by airlines. The UK CAA isn’t responsible for allocating them. There’s a process through which Air Peace could eventually be granted some slots, but that isn’t within the UK CAA’s control.
While I can appreciate the argument about British Airways and Virgin Atlantic being granted access to Nigeria’s two premier airports, it’s a bit unrealistic to compare those airports to Heathrow in terms of the challenge and limitations of getting landing slots.
Now, while I think this request on the part of Air Peace is ridiculous, it might just work, and it’s not the first time that a tactic like this has proven successful. We could very well see the Nigerian government threaten both British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, arguing that they should serve other airports in Nigeria.
For example, in 2021, Nigeria threatened to ban Emirates due to a claim that Air Peace wasn’t being given equal access to the United Arab Emirates. This ended up being resolved with a “gesture of goodwill” on the UAE’s part.
Another story comes to mind. In 2021, British Airways’ flight to Accra (ACC) was going to be transfered from Heathrow to Gatwick. Ghana threatened to take reciprocal action against British Airways, and British Airways ended up giving in.
For now we’ll have to mark this as developing, though don’t be surprised if this gets heated…
Bottom line
Air Peace has secured permission to fly between Nigeria and the United Kingdom, which is a major milestone for the airline. As you’d expect, the airline isn’t being given any special privileges when it comes to securing slots for Heathrow Airport, which are the most valuable airport slots in the world.
Air Peace’s CEO is stating that he won’t tolerate this, and the airline will fly to Heathrow or nowhere in the UK. He’s also encouraging the Nigerian government to take action against British Airways and Virgin Atlantic, which could lead to a diplomatic spat.
What do you make of this Air Peace Heathrow situation?
I'm Nigerian. Imagine that British Airways actually wanted to move ITS OWN AIRLINE plying the Accra route to Gatwick! It's clear this game is not even about the airlines: it's disregard for the PEOPLE themselves. Certain passengers - likely paying even more exorbitant prices than other BA passengers - are very comfortably inconvenienced. Pay more, get treated worse. Sounds about right.
I hope the Nigerian government takes this on (to make up for a...
I'm Nigerian. Imagine that British Airways actually wanted to move ITS OWN AIRLINE plying the Accra route to Gatwick! It's clear this game is not even about the airlines: it's disregard for the PEOPLE themselves. Certain passengers - likely paying even more exorbitant prices than other BA passengers - are very comfortably inconvenienced. Pay more, get treated worse. Sounds about right.
I hope the Nigerian government takes this on (to make up for a terrible initial treaty) and sends BA flights to Sambisa forest, that should be suitable. This way both Nigerian travelers and British travelers can avail themselves of Lufthansa or any other of the many carriers plying the route, and if one has all the time in the world to waste, you can even venture out to Gatwick and hop an Air Peace flights. Racists, thieves, and racist thieves, the lot of you.
I'm Nigerian and I'm floored by your complete lack of common sense and good faith. Actually, I'm not. Your supremacist vantage makes it a perfectly comfortable position to make your assessment from. If you were Nigerian, how would you explain to yourself that a carrier from another country can come to your primary airport why yours cannot alight at its primary airport? In other words, other than the typical white approach of "well, bloody hell,...
I'm Nigerian and I'm floored by your complete lack of common sense and good faith. Actually, I'm not. Your supremacist vantage makes it a perfectly comfortable position to make your assessment from. If you were Nigerian, how would you explain to yourself that a carrier from another country can come to your primary airport why yours cannot alight at its primary airport? In other words, other than the typical white approach of "well, bloody hell, it's just because I can!". Surely, you're finding a slot for Icelandair (e.g.) in Heathrow, among many of your so-called precious slots. . . are the butts in AirPeace somehow different than in the other lines you figured out how to give slots?
To educate you on a broader view: this literally creates a dynamic that ensures other airlines - which are already at a competitive deficit for a variety of unfair reasons - are set back even further, Landing in Gatwick means more time AND additional costs (train or cab) potentially to get into town. I had to take a flight from Gatwick to London during the strikes of December 2022... $200 Uber, no exaggeration. I've never paid so much for a ride.
This makes sense to you? Of course, the ultimate most likely outcome is failure - sure to be followed by your updated blog about the failure of another African carrier.
So, who should be forced to give up their slots and what legal action would they take to defend them?
If Air Peace wants to cause problems for BA or VS in Nigeria then in these days of high demand and constrained supply, I’m sure they could find another profitable international destination to serve. Preferably one that shows some respect for the agreements in place and the associated due process.
Hmmmmm.... There is clearly an unnaturally high number of Nigerian trolls commenting here today who have never, ever commented on anything on this site before.
A sceptic might even think that there has been a concerted push to flood the comments, possibly orchestrated by Air Peace itself.......
Is the Air Peace CEO a friend of O'Leary of Ryanair by any chance. He's another one who throws his dummies out of the pram if he doesn't get what he wants !
The Bilateral agreement signed by both countries should work for Airlines operated by companies from both countries for premier airports in both countries period.
Anything else is just nonsense and a diversionary smokescreen.
AirPeace will rise above all these noise, like a seed in cracked pavement he grows. Your hatred won't stop him, your opinion doesn't matter. He has seen an opportunity to grow and by GOD! HE WILL GROW!
piffle!!!
You report of Airpeace and the negative remarks you make of the CEO, shows your role portage as heavily biased and funded by your pay master. Nonsense report here.
I absolutely agree. Years of colonialism and degradation require commiserate compensation.
Surely BA should be made to give up some of its colonialist landing slots and make way for post-colonial reparations and affirmative action ? Can't we all kiss Nigerian pilot shoes while we're at it ?
Given Air Peace is notorious for being off schedule, would they be able to manage at Level 3 Slot managed airport?
They’d need to be more ontime than they have ever been.
Very interesting article..not sure where the indicted for fraud fits into this except to taint the readers judgment very unprofessional on your part and a big turnoff.
Well ,theres all sorts of stuff i'd love to say but cant for obvious reasons!
After all we have done you a favor, you can land in getwick or stansted
This is evidence of total disrespect and down grade fir Africa and the black race, by Europe. They don't think in terms developing Africa especially black Africa. Their interest in black Africa is only to use us to fulfill their needs. In their mind black Africa don't deserve any good thing. So Airpeace is too black to land in Heathrow Airport in UK.
You can't just magic slots at one of the world's most congested airports in the world out of nowhere just because you demand it... Lots of airlines get turned down for Heathrow.
It has nothing to do with race. Yet here we are again....
Dear Air Peace you have a good point, but please take Stansted and Manchester and you won't regret that decision.
British Airways and Virgin Atlantic were specific with there landing slots (Lagos and Abuja) as per you when the signed their papers. You just signed without been specific from the beginning, now you want Heathrow. Go and get it right
I support air peace argument also he should request to fly to Frankfurt, Paris, Amsterdam and many other European big airports. These white forks will never tired of using Africans. Nigeria is a big market and we must start thinking big
I think it is a silly idea for an airline like Air Peace to try compete head to head with BA and VS at Heathrow. If I were in his shoes, I would happily take Gatwick which will probably be a cheaper airport to use anyway and offer passengers an additional option. He also needs to consider flying to Manchester, I am surprised none of them are trying to fly MAN-LOS…
Let him pick Stanstead and start. There are more Nigerians in east and south east London and that is good. He should pick Stanstead and Manchester airports. Forget Heathrow.
No need for all the stupid talk . FAAN should allocate Maiduguri airport slots to BA and Virgin Air can go to Ibadan airport .
You are very correct
Take an action against the UK if they refuse to grant Air Peace the landing rights at the Heathrow Airport. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic should be redirected to Uyo and smaller Nigerian airports.
It is very sad the way you see things from your own point of view. I pray Nigerian government will be principled and act in the interest of Nigeria.
If the Nigerian Government stops BA and Virgin from Landing in Abuja and Lagos, I can assure you that without notice Airpeace would suddenly be offered a lucrative slot at Heathrow Airport even if heathrow slot is not under UK government control.
Million of Nigerians like me will patronise Airpeace that you called awful airline. If it is awful Airline, why then are they afriad to grant it slot into Heathrow.
WHO ON EARTH would want to fly such an awful airline ?
We will .90% of those traveling to uk and back are Nigerians.
You mustn't, but a multitude of us longed to.
One wonders why the British Empire thinks we're still in 16th century in 2023
You guys invade other ppls spaces, grab everything and gives nothing in return.
Who's more a criminal and Laundrer bw London financial houses or hard-working Allen? Common guys let the sleeping dogs snore, demi-gods!
You will fly it someday
You Brits easily brand and classify Nigerians as liars regardless of their class and societal status. One of you brazenly, and boldly called Allen a liar for taking a firm stance on what will benefit Airpeace customers. Who the hell do you people think you are? Blood suckers or what?
British Airways and Virgin Atlantic land in two Nigeria primary and premier airports (Lagos and Abuja). Allen didn't lie for demanding landing rights at...
You Brits easily brand and classify Nigerians as liars regardless of their class and societal status. One of you brazenly, and boldly called Allen a liar for taking a firm stance on what will benefit Airpeace customers. Who the hell do you people think you are? Blood suckers or what?
British Airways and Virgin Atlantic land in two Nigeria primary and premier airports (Lagos and Abuja). Allen didn't lie for demanding landing rights at London Heathrow. People like me will not stand idly bye and watch you tarnish the image and person of Mr. Allen Onyema. The Brits never wanted to see a functional airline out of Nigeria, but Allen has decided to change that narrative. It's not impossible to throw BA and VA out of Nigeria airspace like the Francophones are doing to France now.
Watch your language!
Poor Jpurnalism! What has Alen's indictment in the US got to do with flying into England. Bringing that up to try to rubbish the man simply ruined your article and showed your bias! Perhps BA and Virgin Atlantic should be flying only to Ibadan or stop coming to Nigeria all together and lets see how that works for them afterall, Lagos Airport is congested and busy as well!
Kudos to Air Peace. All these diabolical and unfavorable BASA agreements must stop. BASA is based on the Principle of Reciprocity. The talk of Heathrow being managed by an autonomous private company is hogwash. I stand with Air Peace.
Indeed you can label him with bank fraud but you guys turn a blind eye when Nigerians are being charged higher rate calling kettle black wey na ya Nash black pass. nonsense Ethnic bigotry.
I think it depends on the passengers each serves. If Virgin and BA serve transit Heathrow could be fair enough and if Air Peace serves people that have London as their final destination. However, even though there is a process of applying for slots at Heathrow, in some way they are not wrong if it gives Virgin and BA an unfair advantage and if they can prove it.
The British authorities should reciprocate the good gesture of Nigerians by allowing Air Peace slot at Heathrow since it's the only carrier from Nigeria at the moment or we will direct their carriers to Akure or PH airports. The Air Peace has met all the criteria to fly to UK, they should allow them the right to fly to their choice of Airport to maximize their profits
Looking at the comment sections filled with comments that are trying to whitewash the comment section to justify Air Peace seems to coincide with another reviewer, Josh Cahill, experience on reviewing this Nigerian Airline =.= Watch the videos(And their comment section) below would give you better sense on what happened.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ut1VvP8yIDQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahZSN1cvJgE&t=335s
I am definitely not wanting to fly on an aircraft with unreported tailstrike, might not even fulfill MEL when departing, with crews...
Looking at the comment sections filled with comments that are trying to whitewash the comment section to justify Air Peace seems to coincide with another reviewer, Josh Cahill, experience on reviewing this Nigerian Airline =.= Watch the videos(And their comment section) below would give you better sense on what happened.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ut1VvP8yIDQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahZSN1cvJgE&t=335s
I am definitely not wanting to fly on an aircraft with unreported tailstrike, might not even fulfill MEL when departing, with crews that seemingly untrained/ clueless on the safety requirements. I am suprised that CAA actually permits them to operate into UK under such horrid management - maybe playing tantrum would do the trick >.^ Let alone letting them in LHR - where many proper airlines such as Emirates/British Airways/Virgin Atlantic etc are all waiting in line patiently despite craving for slots!
P.s. - Air Peace hasn't been, should not be, and WILL Not BE the airline that represent Africa - there are South African/Ethiopian/Kenya/Air Mauritius/Air Austral/Royal Air Maroc out there who all operated in much better shape than this "airline" - One that would rather ask it's staff to whitewash negative post rather than abiding by aviation safety rules and to properly maintain their aircraft LOL.
WE DEMAND is typical African
Let them go elsewhere, this third world airline should be thankful to be allowed to go to Stanstead or Gatwick...even that is a big favor for the UNITED KINGDOM to offer!
Africa is the centre of the universe. Their command is our wish
This why we're demanding for vibrant leaders in Africa so that our continent can stand a chance of developing. We want fair competition and if the airline has the criteria to fly to UK, why restricting to Stanstead and Gatwick. This is the imperialist attitude that has made us not to develop and we must resist it now with everything we have
What about BA and VA? Where should they go?
Third world country but your airlines are flying their twice a day in many cities and UK cannot survive without nigeria
Hahaha!
UK is always parasitic in anything that concerns Nigeria and UK is the major reason Nigeria is under developed. Onyema's request is legitimate.
Can someone be specific about the money laundering allegations including the evidence? Or is this another way of tarnishing an African businessman? For generations, Africans have been exploited and relegated to second class citizens even in their own countries. The only way to level the playing field is to speak up and make demands. What is happening in Niger today should be a lesson for both Africans and those who have been exploiting them. Air...
Can someone be specific about the money laundering allegations including the evidence? Or is this another way of tarnishing an African businessman? For generations, Africans have been exploited and relegated to second class citizens even in their own countries. The only way to level the playing field is to speak up and make demands. What is happening in Niger today should be a lesson for both Africans and those who have been exploiting them. Air Peace and Nigeria shouldn't back down. The European airlines charge passengers a lot more on their Nigerian routes than they charge for comparable distances elsewhere. They don't want to share their lucrative routes. This is the issue.
The details of his indictment are public record.
https://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga/pr/ceo-nigerian-airline-indicted-bank-fraud-and-money-laundering
If British airways and virgin Atlantic could land in Lagos and abuja, which are our highest airports in nig...air peace should equally land in London Heathrow not Stansted or gatwick..
He is not a known criminal as alluded but a lawyer and seasoned businessman with equal intellectual disposition as other CEOs. Sir Branson is no better either but you celebrate him. When it comes to Africa you criminalise and talk down their great men achievers. Nigeria's Lagos and Abuja airports are a very profitable route where British Airways and Virgin milk money from Nigerians happily but would stand opposed to any challenge at Heathrow to...
He is not a known criminal as alluded but a lawyer and seasoned businessman with equal intellectual disposition as other CEOs. Sir Branson is no better either but you celebrate him. When it comes to Africa you criminalise and talk down their great men achievers. Nigeria's Lagos and Abuja airports are a very profitable route where British Airways and Virgin milk money from Nigerians happily but would stand opposed to any challenge at Heathrow to these routes. Enough of these exploitation of Africa and the tag of poor nations which you puperise with policies that place unequal yokes on them. You get away with these because bad leaderships in these countries but change is coming soon. Mr Onyema needs concerted support to right the wrong of many years of exploitation. Is either Airpeace gets a Heathrow slot or Virgin and British Airways move to slots at other Nigeria Airports instead of Lagos and Abuja. Period!
In my honest perspective, if Air Peace successfully met all the necessary requirements to initiate flights to London following a lengthy and thorough 7-year inspection process, while British Airways and Virgin Atlantic are currently reaping the benefits of flying our two busiest commercial hubs and most glamorous cities in Nigeria through the BASA agreement, it would be prudent for the UK government to take a comprehensive approach to this matter. This consideration is particularly crucial...
In my honest perspective, if Air Peace successfully met all the necessary requirements to initiate flights to London following a lengthy and thorough 7-year inspection process, while British Airways and Virgin Atlantic are currently reaping the benefits of flying our two busiest commercial hubs and most glamorous cities in Nigeria through the BASA agreement, it would be prudent for the UK government to take a comprehensive approach to this matter. This consideration is particularly crucial when acknowledging the significant presence of nearly 200k Nigerians residing and engaging in business activities within your nation, which substantially contributes to the UK economy. Consequently, securing a slot for Air Peace at Heathrow is of utmost importance, as upholding bilateral agreements is vital for the mutual peace and prosperity of all parties involved.
In accordance with the BASA between the two countries, Air Peace should be given a landing slot at Heathrow. Why not? If not then the Nigerian government should take retaliatory action against the British authorities. Let them land only in Abuja and not Lagos. What nonsense!!!
Tell them once they stop the Nigerian scam call centers then they can have a slot.
Lol funny how it all responses from Mr faves, Mr inthony and Mr belackyeee who all are bent on degradation of air peace.
This is very easy solve problem stop both flights from the UK to naija and airpeace withdraw from UK.
It no need call names or explanation to both parties.
Those scam centers originated from London. Check your records. The scam perpetrated by BP and Britain on Nigeria can NEVER be quantified! Check your records again.
We are talking about international airlines not local airplane, even local airplane has slots in Heathrow airport, Air Peace is number one airline in Africa, common!! think twice about that.
Hey Allen, I know a Nigerian prince who emailed me the other day. Maybe he can help you out .. if you wire him some money first.
This article and some of the comments reek of bias against Mr. Allen and BASA and the antagonism is palpable. Like it or not, the world has changed and it is time to accommodate the aspirations and views of others.
It's a welcome development and I totally support it. Africa and Africans must learn to stand up for their rights and interest
It’s gotta be reciprocal, whether slots are by a public or private company. What is good for the goose is also good for the gander
This is simple, Air Peace should take over the Nigerian slot at Terminal 3 which she used to have. This should be facilitated by Nigerian government provided they are genuinely commited to help Air Peace get the Heathrow slot.
Which slot ? Nigeria Airways which was a corrupt mismanaged basket case stopped flying decades ago. That slot has long gone. A bankrupt carrier does not retain slots .
The last Nigerian operator at Heathrow was Arik Air who sold their slots in 2017. Go ask Sir Johnson Aruremi-Ikhide where that money went.
It's about time we stand up to these countries that think we can not operate at an equal wavelength with them.
Air Peace should stand his ground.
All you calling Onyema names, launder your own money and float a viable business. When the whites loot Africa, it becomes business but when the poor/African tries to make headway, you call it money laundering.
On Air Peace part, take either GTW or STN, do good service to woo Nigerian travellers, and you will be surprised on the outcome.
Emirates also flies to LGW and STN both of which have good links to central London
Air Peace is only looking at point to point traffic so no reason they cannot fly to LGW or STN, both of which are considered London Airports. The train from STN to Liverpool Street takes 50 mins.
This guys calling onyema all kind of names are stupid because they don't understand the issues at hand, the issues here is not about airpeace but rather about what is due for Nigeria bilaterally.
The Brits need to hold by their rules. Nigeria can't afford to axe BA, or any other airline. Not sure why anyone would want to fly to that cesspool anyway. Been there.
You are ill informed about everything and I wish you to stay in your ignorance. When you can't not defend your own it means you have a problem. You don't have to fly airpeace but let other Nigerians that can't afford BA fly airpeace
Calm down, take your anger somewhere else... coming from another Nigerian
Allen, stand your ground. It is either slot to fly to Heathrow or nothing. British Airways should be stopped from flying into Lagos and Abuja. Port Harcourt and Kano Airport slot should be given to them instead. It's time to stand up to the bullies.
CAA: "We'll take nothing for 500, Alex."
If London is my final destination, I would choose Gatwick over Heathrow every time. Even with the Elizabeth Line opening. I have no idea why people are obsessed with the “prestige” of Heathrow.
Yes I agree 100%. What's the benefit of Heathrow? It's an awful airport. It only provides value for better connecting flight options.
I just flew through Heathrow and it was a disorganized mess of an airport. Transferring terminals was a nightmare and the lounges are awful. Unless they want to use Healthrow as a connection hub, Gatwick is not any worse.
Which lounges ? You used all of them from that sweeping generalisation. Virgin’s Clubhouse, Qatar, Singapore, Cathay ? On the contrary I’ve used LHR for many years and never had an issues.
The federal government should stand up against these bullies who still look at Africa and Africans as unequal partners.
Allen is lying (as usual).
Air Peace has never once applied for Heathrow slots, and have consequently never been denied them. Air Peace has also never applied for Gatwick or Stansted slots for that matter.
Allen has developed a habit of making extremely false statements on issues like this and standing by them for unknown reasons. Don't give his nonsensical claims more oxygen.
Mr.Sean M,
You're so stupid by calling Mr. Onyema a criminal, who do you think you're, The Nigerian government should ban British airline and Virgine Airline if UK government refused to give that slot.
Sean has extensive experience in the airline industry, particularly in Africa. He is a pivotal piece of Africa World Airlines, a rare success story in African aviation, unlike any of the Nigerian airlines. I think he knows what he's talking about.
@Ekweremuba - I have not called Allen a criminal, not here and not anywhere else. That he is charged with fraud and money laundering in the USA is a matter of public record. He is innocent until proven guilty.
Nigeria is well known for corruption fraud and money laundering. Onyema did no more than most wealthy Nigerians and was inducted for it . Regular Nigerians also try to scam airlines with fake bag claims. The post Ben made about the woman travelling from Jamaica claiming thousands missing from her baggage, is what many Nigerian travellers do daily.
How do you know that they have not applied? It looks like you have something against airpeace. Please keep your opinion to yourself because airpeace entering this London market will force BA and Virgin to slash their prices but many stupid Nigerians don't understand this at all.
@Philip Noble - The UK slot co-ordinator releases twice annual reports of all slots applied for, and those approved or denied. You can check those reports out at https://www.acl-uk.org/latest-airport-info/ and verify for yourself.
I'm also not stating opinion. I'm stating facts. I don't usually provide my opinion for free on public forums. :)
Are you one of the official in that matter to have known that Allen has not applied for a slot ? Just asking
Poor PR, Sean M.
If you call Allen a liar, I can accept that because he's human. But your new king (who murdered his beautiful wife, Diana) and his royal house, except Harry, are all filthy lying bastards! Take this to your infested House of Lords, and the Bank of England!
Heathrow to Nigeria routes print a HUGE amount of money for BA and VS.
Big pax yields and cargo (oil money), over short long-haul sectors of approx 6 - 6.30 hours.
LHR will cave a little, under pressure from BA and VS. The prestige of BA and VS is not threatened lol
Ben, we're still waiting for you to fly Air Peace and file a trip report.
I think Noel Phillips has a trip report.
It was Josh Cahill and his report essentially confirmed the airline was the worst he’s ever flown.
Ben,
It's not like Heathrow is any prize, nor is Gatwick that remote. What would it take do you think for Gatwick to become more of a primary airport instead of the place for budget and leisure travel?
Whilst easyJet is easily the dominant operator, LGW will retain its leisure focus.
I thought the Gatwick train was very convenient .
Gatwick has just one rail option whereas Heathrow has multiple.
This whole thing is ridiculous. The CEO is a known criminal who laundered stolen money to buy luxury cars and luxury goods. He also is just a bade CEO if he doesn't know how to file with the correct authority to get the slots he wants. Lastly to Ben, the Ghana situation is literally where the UAE owns all aspects of their air authority so it's easier to give in to crazy demands aka "gesture...
This whole thing is ridiculous. The CEO is a known criminal who laundered stolen money to buy luxury cars and luxury goods. He also is just a bade CEO if he doesn't know how to file with the correct authority to get the slots he wants. Lastly to Ben, the Ghana situation is literally where the UAE owns all aspects of their air authority so it's easier to give in to crazy demands aka "gesture of goodwill". The Govt or some airlines can't force the Heathrow Authority to let this airline hop, jump, and skip in front of DOZENS of other carriers who have been waiting patiently (and will proper paperwork I might add) for a slot. The UK shouldn't give in to the demands of an ignorant criminal.
He stole money according to you with a shred of evidence to support your wild allegations. He was not a politician or contractor in Nigeria. You can insinuate
as much as you want but instead of keeping his money in foreign bank accounts atleast he invested in Nigeria.. and have proven his love for his country during covid 19 and other emergencies by bringing Nigerians home free of charge. How many wealthy Nigerians have...
He stole money according to you with a shred of evidence to support your wild allegations. He was not a politician or contractor in Nigeria. You can insinuate
as much as you want but instead of keeping his money in foreign bank accounts atleast he invested in Nigeria.. and have proven his love for his country during covid 19 and other emergencies by bringing Nigerians home free of charge. How many wealthy Nigerians have given back to Nigerians? You need to wake up from slumber because it's nolonger business as usual. Africa and Africans demands equal opportunities and respect.
So typical of modern times…
Ignore my past, and honor my
Virtual Appearance. Modern day
‘Robin Hood’…
You're calling somebody a criminal and what are you? How many criminals in Nigeria have used their criminal money to create employment? You have a little brain in that bigoted head that's all.
If Air Peace can win this, it is a huge feather in the cap of the CEO, the airline, and a diplomatic win for Nigeria as it moves further on the global stage.
Even if the stated goal is not achieved, they are likely to win concessions. This will still boost the airline and Nigeria.
Yay! A win for ignorance and bad business tactics! He hasn't even filed for a slot at the airport he wants to fly to PROPERLY yet.
You're really disgusting. Entitlement mentality as usual, but not this time
Lol it's kind of funny the kind of issues u hear from Nigeria as a country,my take on this whole foolishness is simple,if AIR peace was owned by a Nigerian Northerner I'm pretty sure we will not be having this conversation.we are watching though
They should be asked to fly to Portharcourt and Enugu Airports.
Abacha did it when he was head of State. British Govt banned Nigeria Airways from landing in Heathrow and simultaneously Abacha banned British Airways from Nigeria and it remained that way until Abacha died.
Can they do this to Kenyan Airways? Why Nigeria? We need to get tough with this Colonial masters.
Colonialism is gone.
Really? This has nothing to do with what Your talking about. He didn't file for a slot with the proper agency. Period. He is a criminal and evidently a bad CEO and should be fired and replaced with someone competent.
Like it or not, Nigeria cannot survive without external assistance. Banning airlines harm Nigeria much more than the rest of the world.
"Air Peace’s ask here is unreasonable, plain and simple." Ask is not a noun; maybe try request?
Did you try checking with Google? Cos if you did you will realize it's also a noun, though mostly in the US
ABJ is the airport code for Abidjan. I think you meant ABV.
No country worth its existence will tolerate that attitude of my way or the highway. But then again UK government knows too well it is dealing with Nigerian leadership that knows nothing, corrupt, compromised and dictatorial hence the audacity to act without compunction.
And what about all the other airlines who have been waiting their turn by starting off at Gatwick (predominantly Asian carriers). Are they not good enough to be given slots at Heathrow first? What makes Air Peace any better?
Maybe this is all a scheme marketed by U.K. interests for expansion at Heathrow!
Let him throw a tantrum! Than, get in line, everyone wants more slots at Heathrow.
If he got the political muster he should try banning UK airlines from Nigeria
And who wants to fly a Nigerian airline ?
Asks everyone .
Nigeria has more to lose if they stop BA from landing.
Tell them they need to fly to Gatwick for 2 years and if they are still in business they can get crummy landing spots in LHR
Do you really know how much BA makes from Lagos & Abuja routes? A ban on BA flying into these two airports should be the right thing to do by the Nigeria government. There are other European airlines to serve same purpose.
If they can't get their money out of the country (an ongoing problem in Nigeria), BA and VS are making nothing flying there. Try again.
I know if BA can't convert their Naira to a more respectable currency, they aren't making much on their Nigerian operations.
Emirates got fed up and called it quits. Why would they do that if Nigeria is such a glorious cash cow?
I don't think Brits would care if they can't travel to Nigeria.. however the same can't be said the other way round.
I think corporate Britain does care about flying to Nigeria. I think most large UK firms have some kind of business interest in Nigeria.
True, however they would fly a European carrier.
As is normal there it’s coercion and blackmail. After all their CEO was indicted on fraud and money laundering. He falsified documents for the purchase of aircraft to use to buy luxury cars and retail.
There’s also Josh Cahill’s review which he calls one of the worst airlines he’s ever flown.
https://youtu.be/ut1VvP8yIDQ?si=kKAQtRzDBcZ40Jfd
The CEO was indicted on fraud and falsifying documents, true.
But you failed to point out that, he was find not guilty.
He has not been found not guilty. His co-accused has pleaded guilty and the US continues to seek his extradition to face trial.
The whole sector is pretty grim, to be honest. Imagine an airport not having a departure board showing flights, delays and gates: welcome to LOS and ABV!!
Or the many, many Nigerian citizens for that matter. But the value is certainly with business travellers & freight.
Allen is arguably on the right direction. Kudos to him and his company. It's now or never, the slot must be reciprocal. The West has been taking Africa for granted and we should stand ♂️ out in whatever we believe that is due to us undoubtedly.