Nigerian airline Air Peace has launched a direct service between Lagos and São Paulo, strengthening air links between Africa and South America after the signing of a new aviation agreement between Nigeria and Brazil. The inaugural flight carried members of Nigeria’s delegation and Brazilian business leaders, following a bilateral accord witnessed in Brasília by President Bola Tinubu. Officials say the deal will boost trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between the two nations.
In a statement on social media, the Nigerian presidency said the flight proved that “Nigerian carriers can compete on global routes, and that Nigeria’s partnerships deliver immediate, tangible results.” Under the agreement, Air Peace will operate passenger flights while Cavertin Airlines is set to launch cargo services on the same corridor before year’s end. This marks Nigeria’s first regular direct connection with South America.
Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo described the service as transformative, noting that trips 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 President Tinubu and government officials for enabling 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 boost Nigeria’s exports, especially in agriculture and manufacturing, while attracting more Brazilian investment into Africa’s largest economy.Air Peace has also confirmed an order of 21 Embraer jets from Brazil, further cementing ties between the two countries.
Source: https://guardian.ng/
