Air Peace has expanded its fleet with the arrival of another Embraer 190 aircraft, taking the airline’s Embraer fleet to 18 aircraft and its total aircraft acquisitions in 2026 to eight.

The 96-seat Embraer 190 landed at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Terminal 2, Lagos, at about 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, with Captain Mrs. Ibironke Rotimi-Olajide at the controls.

The latest acquisition is part of the airline’s ongoing fleet expansion programme aimed at increasing capacity, strengthening its network and improving operational flexibility across its domestic, regional and international routes.

Air Peace said the growing Embraer fleet, which includes the latest E2 series aircraft, complements its Boeing aircraft deployed across its expanding network. The airline is the launch customer for the Embraer E2 series in Africa.

In addition to the latest Embraer 190, Air Peace disclosed that it had acquired five Boeing 737-800 aircraft in 2026, further expanding its fleet capacity.

The latest aircraft, configured with 12 Business Class and 84 Economy Class seats, is designed to provide greater passenger comfort while offering the airline flexibility in deploying capacity across its network.

The Business Class cabin has a 1-2 configuration, while the Economy Class cabin uses a 2-2 layout, eliminating middle seats. The aircraft also features generous legroom, a spacious cabin and in-seat power sockets.

Air Peace spokesperson, Mr. Osifo-Whiskey Efe, said the acquisition reflected the airline’s deliberate strategy to build a diverse fleet capable of supporting its network expansion.

“The arrival of another Embraer 190 is an important milestone in our strategic fleet expansion programme. We are deliberately building a diverse and versatile fleet that gives us the operational flexibility required to strengthen our network, improve schedule resilience and provide greater connectivity across the markets we serve,” Efe said.

He added that the airline’s 18 Embraer aircraft, alongside its growing Boeing fleet, were being acquired as part of a long-term capacity expansion strategy.

“With 18 Embraer aircraft now in our fleet, alongside our growing Boeing portfolio, we are building capacity for the long term. Every fleet decision is tied to our broader expansion strategy and our commitment to deploying the right aircraft across our domestic, regional and international network,” he stated.

The new aircraft has been named after Mrs. Eka Sunmonu, wife of former Managing Director of Shell Petroleum Development Company, Mr. Mutiu Sunmonu.

Air Peace said the naming was significant as it marked the first time the airline had named an aircraft after a person outside the Onyema family.

The latest addition strengthens the airline’s fleet capacity as it seeks to improve connectivity within Nigeria, expand its African network and support its growing international operations.

Air Peace has introduced a complimentary airport pick-up service for eligible First Class and Business Class passengers on its London routes, expanding its premium travel offering beyond the flight.

The new service, delivered in partnership with SIMPLAA, complements the airline’s existing complimentary airport drop-off service and provides eligible passengers with transfers from their homes, offices or preferred locations to the airport, as well as onward transfers after arrival.

The service is available in Lagos, Abuja, Heathrow and Gatwick, giving qualifying passengers travelling between Nigeria and the United Kingdom access to a more seamless airport transfer experience.

The airline’s Chief Commercial Officer, Mr Nowel Ngala, said the initiative was part of Air Peace’s commitment to continuously improving the travel experience for its customers.

Ngala said the addition of complimentary pick-up reflected the airline’s focus on comfort, convenience and world-class service beyond the flight itself.

He added that the partnership with SIMPLAA was designed to create a seamless journey for passengers from their doorstep to their destination.

Under the new arrangement, First Class passengers are entitled to complimentary transfers of up to 70 miles from Heathrow or Gatwick, while Business Class passengers are covered for distances of up to 60 miles.

In Nigeria, eligible passengers can access complimentary transfers of up to 60 kilometres in Abuja and 40 kilometres in Lagos.

Air Peace said passengers travelling on eligible tickets booked from October 1, 2026, would receive email notifications containing a link to activate their rides and confirm their pick-up and drop-off locations.

The airline said the initiative further strengthened its focus on innovation and customer-centred services while enhancing its international travel offering.

Air Peace customers can make bookings through the airline’s website, mobile application, accredited travel agencies and major booking platforms worldwide.

Nigeria and India are set to deepen cooperation in aviation and aerospace development, with the Federal Government directing the establishment of a technical team to work out the details of a proposed bilateral partnership.

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Olorogun Festus Keyamo (SAN), gave the directive on Wednesday when he received the Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Abhishek Singh, who paid a courtesy visit to the Ministry’s headquarters in Abuja.

The proposed partnership is expected to focus on key areas including training, capacity building, knowledge transfer and other areas of mutual interest that could strengthen Nigeria’s aviation sector.

Speaking during the visit, Singh said Nigeria’s airports were performing very well, adding that his visits to the country had reinforced his belief that both nations had significant opportunities to gain from closer cooperation in aviation.

The envoy said there was tremendous potential in the sector and identified at least six or seven areas in which Nigeria and India could collaborate.

He also invited Keyamo to visit India, disclosing that the Indian Minister for Civil Aviation, whom he described as young and dynamic, was also interested in visiting Nigeria to further strengthen cooperation between the two countries.

On capacity building, Singh said India was prepared to deepen its existing programme in Nigeria, noting that more than 250 Nigerians benefit from the scheme annually.

He described Nigeria as a great country and said India held the country in high regard, stressing that his government would be pleased to receive the Nigerian aviation minister.

Responding, Keyamo welcomed the proposals, saying India’s experience in aviation, particularly in capacity building, offered valuable lessons for Nigeria as the Ministry implements the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the aviation and aerospace sector.

The Minister said the Federal Government was committed to strengthening bilateral partnerships that would improve aviation infrastructure while creating opportunities for Nigerian professionals to gain the skills and international exposure required to compete globally.

He identified training, capacity building and knowledge transfer as priority areas of the proposed cooperation.

Keyamo said the partnership should be structured to equip Nigerian engineers, pilots, air traffic controllers and other aviation professionals with the expertise needed to contribute more effectively to the growth and development of the sector.

He subsequently directed that a technical team be constituted to develop the details and framework for the proposed Nigeria-India aviation partnership.