Air Peace has ordered from Brazil five brand-new Embraer E175 planes worth N265.2 billion ($2.88.3 million) to add to and update its fleet.
Stanley Olisa, a spokesman for the airline, told Leadership Weekend in a news release that the planes with 88 seats will start to be delivered in 2024.
He said that the choice to buy the new plane was in line with Air Peace’s long-term plan to update its fleet.
“This purchase fits with Air Peace’s plan to run the biggest and newest fleet of planes in Africa. It shows that Air Peace is serious about improving the connections between its local and regional networks and opening the door for more regional growth. The planes with 88 seats will start to be sent out in 2024. At the list price, the order is worth $288.3 million,” he said.
Air Peace already uses the E195-E2, which is Embraer’s newest and biggest jet. These smaller planes will add to the airline’s fleet and make it easier to match capacity to demand, which will protect returns and route viability.
Allen Onyema, the chairman and chief executive officer of Air Peace, said, “This is another important step toward helping us reach our goal of connecting all of Nigeria to the rest of Africa and sending passengers to long-haul flights from our Lagos hub.”
“The purchase allows us to keep delivering on our “no city left behind plan. Connectivity is what our passengers and Africa want. With direct help from Embraer, the deal also makes it possible to set up repair services in Nigeria.
“Air Peace’s strategic and creative approach to flying continues to make them a powerhouse in West African flight. Since they already fly E2, it makes sense for them to add E175s to their ERJ145 fleet to give customers more seats and comfort. The fact that the cockpits of the E1 and E2 fleets are the same makes it easier to handle costs and crews.
“Embraer, in partnership with Air Peace, is committed to directly supporting the establishment of local maintenance capabilities in Nigeria,” said Stephan Hannemann, VP Sales & Marketing, Head of Africa & Middle East Region, Commercial Aviation. “Air Peace has made a big investment in buying the Embraer fleet of planes, which has grown to 18 brand-new firm planes so far.”
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