Dr. Allen Oniema has long been the power of Nigerian aviation change and has had two critical moments highlighting his commitment to his country. The first was his leadership during a serious evacuation in South Africa. This is a moment of dedication to ensuring the safety and happiness of Nigerians overseas. The second, equally monumental, was to lead the Airpeace's first flight to London.
Before these groundbreaking initiatives, international travel for Nigerians came with a steep price tag. Business class tickets cost up to 17 million naira for a six-hour journey, while premium economy and economy options ranged from 3 million to 5 million naira. Under the guidance of Dr. Onyema, Air Peace dramatically reduced these fares. Economic tickets now start at just 1.2 million naira, with business class fares available for around 7 million naira. This surprising change not only brought significant savings to travelers, but also strengthened the company's Treasury ministry and ensured a more sustainable future for the airline.
Dr. Onyema's approach is not just about reducing costs. His philosophy is deeply rooted in the pride of the people. He claims, “It's my pride to contribute to my country,” and “I will not apologise to any country for being a Nigerian.” These words resonate widely, reinforcing the idea that advances in the aviation sector can be more powerful and directly contribute to a stronger Nigeria.
In addition to making international travel more accessible, Air Peace's new route from its major domestic hub to London comes with additional perks. Travelers now have the opportunity to save up to N600,000 on their trip while enjoying extra baggage allowance. These enhancements further show how Dr. Oniema's vision is changing the overall travel experience, not just the cost of travel.
Dr. Allen Oniema's legacy is not just about reducing fares, but about reworking the Nigerian aviation story. Through innovative leadership and his deep seating commitment to his country, he transformed the challenges into opportunities and set new standards for the industry. As air peace soars to new heights, Nigerians take pride in airlines that reflect the spirit of innovation, accessibility and national unity.
