Chairman of Air Peace Limited, Dr. Allen Onyema, has lauded Fidelity Bank for playing a decisive role in the airline’s emergence as Nigeria’s flagship carrier, recalling that the institution provided critical financing at a time when most banks shied away from the aviation sector.
Speaking at the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) Members’ Evening and Induction Ceremony on September 25, 2025, Onyema praised the bold decision of Dr. Nnamdi Okonkwo, then Managing Director of Fidelity Bank, to approve funding for Air Peace’s first aircraft.
“Without the boldness of Fidelity Bank, at a time when no Nigerian bank wanted to touch aviation, there might not have been an Air Peace today,” Onyema stated. “The success of this airline belongs to those who stood with us in our early days when the odds were stacked against us.”
He highlighted that aviation is one of the most capital-intensive industries in the world, stressing that even legacy airlines such as British Airways and Delta depend on institutional financing for growth and survival. His remarks underscored the importance of strategic financial partnerships in shaping Nigeria’s aviation ecosystem.
Guests at the event, including NBCC President Prince Abimbola Olashore, applauded Onyema’s recognition of Fidelity Bank’s pivotal role. Olashore commended Air Peace for its resilience and innovation, describing the airline as a symbol of Nigeria’s expanding footprint in global aviation.
Since its launch in 2014, Air Peace has grown into the largest carrier in West and Central Africa, with over 40 aircraft operating domestic, regional, and long-haul routes. The airline recently launched its direct Lagos–London Gatwick service and is set to commence an Abuja–London route in October 2025. It is also building a world-class Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility in Lagos, further strengthening its position as a trailblazer in African aviation.
