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August 28, 2025
Business

Air Peace begins Lagos–São Paulo flight after Tinubu’s Brazil deal

Nigerian airline Air Peace has launched a direct service between Lagos and São Paulo, a major step in strengthening air links between Africa and South America, following an aviation agreement signed between Nigeria and Brazil.

The inaugural flight carried members of Nigeria’s delegation and business leaders from Brazil. It comes on the heels of a bilateral accord witnessed in Brasília by President Bola Tinubu, which officials say will boost trade, tourism and cultural exchange between the two countries.

In a statement shared on social media, the Nigerian presidency said the flight demonstrated that “Nigerian carriers can compete on global routes, and that Nigeria’s partnerships deliver immediate, tangible results.”

Under the deal, Air Peace will operate passenger flights while Cavertin Airlines is expected to run cargo services on the same corridor before the end of the year. The development marks Nigeria’s first regular direct connection with South America.

Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo described the service as transformative, noting that journeys to Brazil previously took nearly 20 hours with stopovers in Europe or the Middle East. “With direct flights now in place, travel time is cut significantly, giving Nigerian businesses and travellers easier access to South America’s largest economy,” he said.

Air Peace chairman Allen Onyema praised Tinubu and government officials for facilitating the breakthrough. “Instead of committing two days to travel to Brazil, we now have direct access. This partnership opens immense opportunities for both countries,” he said.

The Lagos–São Paulo route is also expected to enhance Nigeria’s exports, particularly in agriculture and manufacturing, while encouraging more Brazilian investment in Africa’s largest economy.

Air Peace has meanwhile confirmed an order of 21 Embraer jets from Brazil, a move seen as further cementing ties between the two nations.

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