The CEO of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, has commended President Bola Tinubu and Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo for ushering in a new era for Nigeria’s aviation sector through the signing of the Cape Town Convention (CTC) Practice Directions.
In an interview with Arise TV, Onyema described the signing as a “revolution,” noting that it will transform the aviation industry by significantly improving the capacity of local airlines. He emphasized that Keyamo’s appointment as aviation minister was one of President Tinubu’s most strategic decisions, resulting in groundbreaking achievements for the sector.
“What he has done is nothing short of revolutionary. This has never happened before. By facilitating the signing of this practice direction, Keyamo has empowered local airlines to expand their capacity,” Onyema said.
He recalled telling President Tinubu during a recent Iftar meeting that the ease of doing business in the aviation industry had vastly improved due to Keyamo’s leadership. Onyema defended the minister’s recent international engagements with Boeing and Airbus, highlighting that they laid the groundwork for the CTC agreement.
The Air Peace CEO explained that Nigerian aviation companies can now acquire aircraft at much lower rates, increasing interconnectivity across the country. This development is expected to lower airfares, boost economic growth, and help Nigerian airlines dominate the West and Central African aviation markets.
“The money used to buy one brand new aircraft can now be used to acquire up to 50 planes on dry lease. This agreement makes it easier to acquire planes, reduces operational costs, and allows airlines to offer more competitive fares,” Onyema added.
He further predicted a positive impact on Nigeria’s economy, with improved air connectivity making it easier to transport goods, including agricultural products, between cities. Additionally, Onyema highlighted the potential for Nigerian airlines to expand their presence regionally, stating, “We are going to dominate the entire West Coast and Central Africa.”
The CTC Practice Directions, according to Onyema, provide Nigerian entrepreneurs with the platform to unlock new opportunities and spur growth in the aviation sector and beyond. “What the President has done is to give us the platform to explode. You will see what’s going to happen,” he concluded.
