Air Peace, a leading Nigerian airline, has announced the commencement of flight operations from Abidjan, the capital of Cote d’Ivoire, in a bid to strengthen business ties and enhance connectivity across African nations.
In a press statement issued by the airline’s spokesperson, Stanley Olisa, the inaugural flight, designated as P47770 and conducted on a B737-500 aircraft, was piloted by Capt. Gerald Nmorka. The aircraft touched down at Félix-Houphouët-Boigny International Airport in Abidjan on Monday, receiving a ceremonial water salute in acknowledgment of this significant milestone.
Olisa further revealed that the airline’s management, led by Capt. Augustin Kamano, the Director of Flight Operations, was warmly received by Ivory Coast’s airport authorities, officials from the Nigerian Embassy in Abidjan, and members of the Nigerian community.
Captain Kamano expressed the airline’s commitment to bridging connectivity gaps among West African countries and alleviating the air travel burden for Africans.
He also provided insight into the future plans, stating, “Our 10th regional route to Cotonou in Benin Republic will be launched on January 27, 2024. Passengers can also enjoy flights from Abidjan to Dakar, Senegal.”
He emphasized Air Peace’s dedication to fostering commercial cooperation and solidifying bilateral ties between Nigeria and Ivory Coast. “Since we commenced operations in 2014, we have been on an aggressive but strategic route expansion mission, becoming famed for our no-city-left-behind initiative,” Captain Kamano added.
Charge d’Affairs, Embassy of Nigeria in Abidjan, Itam Akpama, acknowledged the timing of the flight operation, considering the ongoing African Cup of Nations Competition in Ivory Coast. She expressed her support, stating, “It is an honour to be here. This is a very timely flight considering the AFCON that is ongoing with an influx of Nigerians and other travelers in and out of Ivory Coast. You have the full support of the Nigerian Embassy and Nigerians in Côte d’Ivoire.”
President of the Nigerian Community in Ivory Coast, Chief Michael Onwuchelu, lauded the chairman of Air Peace for the initiative to connect the African continent through air transportation.
He pledged support, saying, “This is our own, and we must specially support Air Peace. Côte d’Ivoire has been a hospitable country, we are all happy here. We will support our own.”
