Guys, I was so close to flying every first-class product in the world. But now Air Peace, the Nigerian airline run by a guy who has been indicted in the United States for bank fraud, money laundering, and obstruction, apparently decided that it has first class as well… even though it doesn’t actually have first class? Let me explain…
In this post:
Air Peace’s suspicious 777 first class, available to London
I pride myself in reviewing as many premium cabin airline products as possible, and I’m very close to reviewing every single first-class product in the world.
Up until now, I thought that the only two airlines in the world I hadn’t reviewed in first class were Starlux Airlines and Air Côte d’Ivoire. Fortunately, I’m working on changing that and trying both of them:
- Starlux has started selling miles, which shaves around 50% off the standard first class fare; while still expensive, it’s an investment I’m willing to make
- That leaves me just with Air Côte d’Ivoire, so if push comes to shove, I’ll just spend way more money than I’d like to in order to be a completionist and be (to my knowledge) the only person who has reviewed every first class in the world
Well, that was my plan, but then a couple of readers pointed out that I haven’t flown Air Peace first class. For those not familiar, Air Peace is a private airline in Nigeria that has a wide-body fleet consisting of a few 777s, each of which is different. One came from Emirates, one came from Japan Airlines, and one came from Singapore Airlines, and virtually no changes have been made to the interiors.
Now, I’ve written about Air Peace in the past, and the airline did at the time have one ex-Emirates 777 with a first class cabin. We’re talking about a very old, previous-generation first class, and not the suites the airline has now. However, that plane has been grounded for a long time.
However, as it turns out, Air Peace is still selling first class on its route between Lagos (LOS) and London (LGW). When you search on Google Flights, you’ll see a first class product listed, which is described as an angled seat.
Sure enough, when you go to Air Peace’s website, you’ll see that first class is for sale, and costs nearly 40% more than business class.
Then when you go to the seat map, you’ll see that first class has 18 seats, spread across three rows, in a 2-2-2 configuration. Meanwhile business class consists of 32 seats, also in a 2-2-2 configuration.
Does Air Peace first class really count as first class?
What’s really going on here? Pulling up Air Peace’s flight between Lagos and London, you’ll see that it’s typically operated by a Boeing 777-300 with the registration code 5N-BWI. Per Planespotters, this 22-year-old plane used to fly for Singapore Airlines, and is configured with 319 seats, including 50 business class seats and 269 economy seats.
Wait, what about first class? Well, it would appear that what’s happening is that 18 of these seats are being sold as first class, while 32 are being sold as business class, even though the seats are identical. This configuration matches this seat map you’ll find on AeroLOPA (where all 50 seats are marked as being business class).
Below is a video tour of this aircraft, and you can see those three rows of seats in the forward cabin are what the airline is now selling as first class.
The funny thing is that the below Air Peace review from a year ago shows someone in these exact seats (in the first three rows of the cabin), and there it’s clearly marketed as business class.
Seriously, does anyone know what’s going on here? What extra services is the airline offering for first class over business class, to justify the price difference? Can anyone find anything online showing what the first class experience is like, compared to business class?
This actually might be the most ridiculous first class “concept” I’ve seen in my life. I can’t help but wonder if onboard they just pretend that first class is no different than business class?
Two questions:
- I’ve made the rule for myself that I have to review every product that’s marketed as first class, but does this count? Something that’s literally a business class seat but which the airline just decides to charge more for?
- Can anyone find the best fare that includes a segment in Air Peace first class, so that I can review it? If someone can find something a bit better than the above, I’ll absolutely do it, and I guarantee it’ll make for an interesting review
Bottom line
Nigerian airline Air Peace is selling first class on its flights between Lagos and London. The issue is that there isn’t actually a first class cabin. Instead, the airline has 50 business class seats, but just sells 18 of those as first class.
As someone who has decided to fly every first class product, I guess that means I have to fly this? But seriously, does this even count? Has anyone seen anything about this first class experience, or know what differentiates it from business class?
I feel like I’m about to spend a fortune to fly first class on two African airlines, only to be very, very disappointed…
What do you make of this Air Peace first class situation?
Air peace has 4 B777, 2 of them came from Emirates (B772 and B773), one B772 from JAL and another B773 from SQ
The JAL B772 were intended to be used to start JFK services. SQ B773 largely flew the Dubai services before the interruption.
Both Emirates B777 are designated for London service from LOS and ABV though the B773 has been parked for a while.
You totally have to fly it. Try to book the same seat on the return flight but with a business class fare.
Ben,
Re Air Cote d'Ivoire "First Class", I now have it from a French resident in Abidjan that my post of 3 days ago described the accurate "First Class" situation. The seats are NOT TO BE SOLD as F, and strictly reserved for political or status "upgrades". This from someone who already flew the Paris flight sufficient times. There is NO soft product differenciation with Business Class (unaccepable for a F product, as the Business...
Ben,
Re Air Cote d'Ivoire "First Class", I now have it from a French resident in Abidjan that my post of 3 days ago described the accurate "First Class" situation. The seats are NOT TO BE SOLD as F, and strictly reserved for political or status "upgrades". This from someone who already flew the Paris flight sufficient times. There is NO soft product differenciation with Business Class (unaccepable for a F product, as the Business catering is reportedly exceedingly mediocre) and Business Class passengers are welcome to switch seats and sit in "F" as soon as the doors are closed. Even assuming that an idiot would be willing to pay the difference (you are not counted as such, since it is for review purposes), the request would probably be directly denied on the phone, or "operationally downgraded" if coming from a reservations system. The Ivorian travel agents are reportedly well instructed NOT to book F, and they are playing the game.
So please save yourself the expense of booking and paying for "F", just to review a nonexistent service. Instead, please pay me (just joking) a fat alert commission just for having warned you.
I do not know about your other readers, but I release you from the duty to include Air Cote d'Ivoire's F class among your "to review" products. Air Peace too. Starlux is a different matter, we do want the review.
Just to clarify my post above, J passengers are welcome to Move into row 1 ("First Class") as soon as the doors are closed, PROVIDED that nobody is already seated in row 1 (I had omitted this point and it is important)
This is a clever move from Air Peace to monetize the front business cabin
On African long haul network, affluent customers (businessmen and government) are very status oriented and want to travel in First class
When there is no First, they absolutely want to seat in the front cabin of business class. This leads to a lot of misunderstandings from ground staff who get requests to 'downgrade' passengers from front to middle business cabin so...
This is a clever move from Air Peace to monetize the front business cabin
On African long haul network, affluent customers (businessmen and government) are very status oriented and want to travel in First class
When there is no First, they absolutely want to seat in the front cabin of business class. This leads to a lot of misunderstandings from ground staff who get requests to 'downgrade' passengers from front to middle business cabin so that ministers can be seated in the front. Even on airlines where this is all exactly the same product. Most airlines do not monetize this. Air Peace does. Kuddos.
To your question, my vote is that it doesn’t count towed your goal, as it’s not a distinct first class product, separate from business class.
Two solutions:
1) You've already flown on the hard product via the airlines that the aircraft came from. Unless you're *really* hooked on checking out the soft product, you *could* claim prior art?
2) Wait a while as it sounds like this lot could be changing yet again in another 6-12 months. If they're out of business or have dropped "first class" then does it count?
PS: US Domestic "first class" sure isn't...
Two solutions:
1) You've already flown on the hard product via the airlines that the aircraft came from. Unless you're *really* hooked on checking out the soft product, you *could* claim prior art?
2) Wait a while as it sounds like this lot could be changing yet again in another 6-12 months. If they're out of business or have dropped "first class" then does it count?
PS: US Domestic "first class" sure isn't real first class so can you claim irrelevance in this case? :)
The website says that (compared to business class) first class has access to first class lounges in Lagos and London, “exclusive” meals, and complimentary “premium” airport transfer. It also comes with 3x32kg checked luggage, compared to just 30kg for business class.
Since they’re supposedly differentiating the soft product, I think this counts. But maybe you should fly business one way and first the other to confirm.
Your front page photo for this article looks like Singapore Airlines A330 old business class configuration which they have since expired.
Since you are based in Florida, your most convenient route would be from Antigua or Barbados to Lagos. Frequency is very low at about one flight per month.
Don't forget Allegiant FC is now bookable :-)
@Ben - I've DM-ed you a contact at Air Peace who can answer all your questions about this.
Small detail, but the Emirates one is flying. They're flying ABV-LHR (as well as flights to Barbados), though don't seem to be selling first class at the moment.
Considering the fact that a commercial airplane journey from London to JFK is 12 hrs and £450 - £550, and a hefty landing charge and a journey from London to Accra, Ghana or Lagos, Nigeria is 6.5 hrs, far lower landing charges at either destinations yet British Airways and Virgin Atlantic both charge £1'300 on average, even with full capacity and lower fuel and environmental impact, it is very rich you lot who criticise Air...
Considering the fact that a commercial airplane journey from London to JFK is 12 hrs and £450 - £550, and a hefty landing charge and a journey from London to Accra, Ghana or Lagos, Nigeria is 6.5 hrs, far lower landing charges at either destinations yet British Airways and Virgin Atlantic both charge £1'300 on average, even with full capacity and lower fuel and environmental impact, it is very rich you lot who criticise Air Peace, being an indigenous airline.
Consumer products are a subject factor of choice. My 5 star hotel is not equivalent to Hilton's 5 star hotel. There lies the issue of competitive advantage. I am confident this flyer's parents never flew first class, but they come here postulating flying several first class.
And supposed audience say everything from Nigeria is fraudulent.
I should remind you lot that you are living on the grace of that which was stolen from these places, by your parents and colonial mentalities. If in doubt, go to the British Museum, and see the artefacts that were stolen from the Benin kingdom, plundering loot by your forbearers.
Your battery and power components are obtained from mines from these countries. Your security services use mechanisms to undermine democracies in these countries and corrupt individuals manning institutions, resulting in collapsed systems and driving emigration of skilled labour to your countries.
This article is written by a bigoted party who seeks to ridicule Air peace as it has taken passengers who hitherto patronised and were continually ripped off by BA and Virgin.
Air Peace is indigenous, it is growing, Taking a dig at its owner who is the only largest individual shareholder is, to say the least, and attempt to rubbish the individual. He purportedly commited an offence, but started something good. Have you, the writer been able to replicate same? How are we not certain that you are using a fraudulent credit card to pay for this flight,
Air Peace found out and got you off the flight. Were you lot not so crafty in behaviour that you had to send off the worst of you lot to Australia?
Britain has in her kitty, the most corrupt system, center for money laundering of the world. Stealer of Generational wealth, You really have no moral standing to write this article which is indicative you have used Ai to narrate and condemn another corporate entity's product offering.
If you dare, pen your name to this and let Air Peace take you to court.
This commitment to a grievance mindset while pulling the blackout curtains over reality is why so few countries in Africa will ever truly develop.
London to JFK is 12 hours?
In what, a Ford Trimotor?
I'm so glad the Yowzers button was released before this comment
Yes. Point. lol
It's your challenge ;) but if I were defining it, I'd say there needs to be something different about both the the hard or soft product that you couldn't purchase separately. So extra bags or more fare flexibility wouldn't count, but more space or an extra hot towel would. Retreat Suite wouldn't qualify as it's only a hard product change, nor would BA Flub.
Yet another Nigerian scam. Maybe you will meet a Nigerian prince while there and get taken by a Bitcoin fraud
Pride? Odysseus also had a lot of pride and how did that work out for him? He ended up traveling the known world for 20 years, with seven of those on a Mediterranean island as the boy toy for a Greek God (goddesses are gods). Is that what you want?
TBH, is may be what some people want...
For one I WILL NOT TRUST ANYTHING FROM NIGERIA. The major EXPORT of Nigeria is ALL ABOUT SCAMS.
Hey, when the son of the deposed King of Nigeria e-mails you directly asking for help, you help. His father ran the freaking country, okay?
@Michael , would it be safe to assume that you refuse to buy fuel that's been produced from hydrocarbons with Nigerian origin as well as boycotting all organisations which use the aforementioned hydrocarbons in any part of their supply chains?
Can't speak for everyone but I'm sure you'll get a pass on this one :)
All three of these (Starlux, Peace and Côte d'Ivoire) seem not to have a First Class product, so I would guess the question is mute. If Ben wants to review all marketed as F he needs to fly all three, if he wants to fly all actual F products he doesn't have to fly any of them.
Moot! I don't think this had anything to do with the ability to hear.
Umm, being mute is an inability to speak, not hear.
But maybe that's a moot point.
@Ben, if I recall correctly (and you can research) the SQ 777-300s (non ERs) used to have first class cabin and they were also 2-2-2 (maybe different seats from biz; e.g., lie flat vs angle lie-flat). They were only flown for Asia regional. That might explain..
@ Trey -- You have great memory, and you're correct. However, that was a different first class product, and that was a generation before these angled flat seats were installed. So Singapore Airlines had actually reconfigured this particular regional 777 before it went to Air Peace, to introduce the product standard we see in the video.
There's no rule dictating that the seat needs to be different for a cabin to be marketed separately. KLM, Finnair et al have long been selling 2-2 business class on the Embraer, I think that SAS even offer it on the Braathens ATRs!
Why don't you just email Air Peace to ask them what exactly the differences between the two cabins are? It could be some vague combination of slightly expanded food options and...
There's no rule dictating that the seat needs to be different for a cabin to be marketed separately. KLM, Finnair et al have long been selling 2-2 business class on the Embraer, I think that SAS even offer it on the Braathens ATRs!
Why don't you just email Air Peace to ask them what exactly the differences between the two cabins are? It could be some vague combination of slightly expanded food options and a few additional miles or something more elaborate including dedicated helplines, VIP airport services, book-the-cook dining etc.
Yeah, that use of 'business' class is a farce, though. 3-3 (or 2-2) economy seats should ever really be called 'business' even if a middle seat is blocked. I actually prefer the Aerolineas Argentina method of referring to 'recliners' as 'premium economy.' Because, business should be lie-flat. First should only be used when there's a separate business class also on board. I know, semantics.
Yeah, that use of 'business' class is a farce, though. 3-3 (or 2-2) economy seats should ever really be called 'business' even if a middle seat is blocked. I actually prefer the Aerolineas Argentina method of referring to 'recliners' as 'premium economy.' Because, business should be lie-flat. First should only be used when there's a separate business class also on board. I know, semantics.
I'm not saying the 2-2 arrangement is any good - just that it's established practice.
I suspect that the Aerolíneas (and LATAM, and more recently Gol) approach to premium economy is because they don't have m/any lounges of their own and don't want to pay for contract ones; they'd probably happily sell it as business class if lounge access was included.
How disappointed you are depends entirely on the expectations you go in with…
A quest to fly first class does not require you to fly an inferior business class masquerading as first, IMHO. I can't imagine I'd think anything afterwards other than I threw away $s to help fund that. It is dismal modern J (2-2-2!) that says "pay use 40% more and we'll call it F." (Admittedly, I want you to do it because I suspect what little extra you get will be funny.)
I think this depends on how you are scoping "First Class" in the context of your goal. If by reviewing every "First Class" you primarily mean every first class *seat* then maybe you should not include it. However, if you view "First Class" in general as encompassing any food, service, cabin privacy, attendant-to-passenger ratio or any distinguishing aspect other than the seat then maybe you should include it. It would seem to me that the...
I think this depends on how you are scoping "First Class" in the context of your goal. If by reviewing every "First Class" you primarily mean every first class *seat* then maybe you should not include it. However, if you view "First Class" in general as encompassing any food, service, cabin privacy, attendant-to-passenger ratio or any distinguishing aspect other than the seat then maybe you should include it. It would seem to me that the objective of a review itself would be to uncover what the price differentiation between business and first really buys.
You should definitely do it. Not only will you be the first person to review it but you might very well be the first person to have ever paid to fly it. Please take pictures of the vintage champagne and caviar service.
I won't count StarLux's "first class" as first class as well. Unless you think Jetblue Mint suite is first class too.
@ Hill Sama -- I sort of hear you, but I'm curious, why specifically? The soft product is significantly different, both on the ground and in the air. That's very different than the first row JetBlue Mint product.
That's why I never think Korean Air's old A330's so called "First class" (Same seat, different meal) is first class too. In order to be a "First Class" you have to have a different enough seat, and different service. It's "and", not "or" (btw, after 18 years of reading your blog every single day,I am so glad we finally had our first conversation )
Could you perhaps elaborate on your logic behind "flying every first class in the world" because what metric do you account for? I presume current available commercial First Class products?
@ E39 -- Every "true" first class, which I'd typically define as a product above business class. This is intended to separate it from airlines that just market the forward cabin on a plane without business class as first class.
Well if I was a cash-strapped airline, I’d see Ben’s quest to fly every first nominal class product as free money too lol
Well, this one is not om anyones aspirational F flight..
Use your imagination. If Air Peace only offers an imaginary first I see no reason to experience it in any other way.
Imagination?
Is this your new name Proximanova?
do it... do it... do it...
I think I define first class as, "better than business class in terms of both hard product and soft product". More specifically, I think first class seats have direct aisle access, and have their own space rather than overlapping with the seat in front.
I am inclined to embrace a "business plus" seat with an elevated soft product as "first class", but I can understand those who feel that a first class seat should not...
I think I define first class as, "better than business class in terms of both hard product and soft product". More specifically, I think first class seats have direct aisle access, and have their own space rather than overlapping with the seat in front.
I am inclined to embrace a "business plus" seat with an elevated soft product as "first class", but I can understand those who feel that a first class seat should not have overlap with the seat behind them, thus maximising the width available for the entire length of the seat's compartment.
I reject Air Peace's "first class" due to it seemingly not having a better hard product than their business class.
I have decided that the front passenger seat of my car is First Class and will now charge accordingly, although you do get a full forward view and a bottle of water.
if anyone ever doubts your dedication just link them this article LOL
you have my permission to skip this one btw. would be entertaining for sure but I don't think it counts as 1st IMO
I think you're also missing the First class of "Domestic Airline". It is the national domestic airline of Algeria.
2 birds with one stone: Côte d'Ivoire and Nigeria.
@ Mike O. -- Yes, just one $10K "stone." ;p
Yes, @Ben, you have to fly it now! :D
By the way, make sure to write a special compilation when you tick your very last F cabin off the list.