Air Peace’s new Embraer jets begin local flight operations

*Again, FAAN bars VIP orderlies from terminals

After six months of waiting for regulator’s approval, the brand new aircraft acquired by Air Peace airline have begun commercial flight services.

The first of the three Embraer E195-E2 aircraft has been deployed into domestic operations following its inauguration in Lagos. In a related development, the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has again barred orderlies of notable personalities from departure terminals, in compliance with COVID-19 safety protocols.

Spokesperson of the airline, Stanley Olisa, confirmed the development, describing the deployment of the youngest fleet as a feat for Air Peace and its customers.

Air Peace took delivery of three E195-E2 aircraft this year from the 13 on firm order and has purchase rights for 17 of the same aircraft type. The airline said it was expecting five more of these aircraft before the end of 2021.

It was all smiles at the inaugural flight, as Air Peace became the first African E2 operator. The first set of passengers that flew on the E195-E2 aircraft were thrilled with multiple bags of goodies and they expressed excitement over the unparalleled comfort they experienced on-board.

The planes are currently being used for domestic rotations within Nigeria, flying to Abuja, Owerri, Port Harcourt, Kano, and others. Out of Air Peace’s three delivered E2s, two are currently flying, according to data from RadarBox.com. 5N-BYF, the airline’s first E2, and 5N-BYH, the most recent delivery, are the two that have been flying. Meanwhile, 5N-BYG has flown several test flights in June but has not yet entered commercial service.

Olisa said: “Air Peace cares so much about the comfort of its customers and that explains why we keep investing in brand new aircraft to give the average passenger a memorable experience to look forward to onboard. This fleet expansion is also driven by our ambition to provide numerous connections for the flying public.”

President and CEO, Commercial Business Aviation, Embraer, Arjan Meija, had said the E195-E2 would help Air Peace achieve its ambition of connecting not just all of Nigeria, but the whole of the African continent, while feeding long-haul flights from the Lagos hub.

“Air Peace is also the first airline to configure a premium cabin with our staggered seat option.

Each of the 12 Business Class seats is slightly offset from the other to give more space and privacy. There are three rows of seats arranged two-by-two at 51-inch pitch on the 124 seater aircraft. Passengers by the windows have unobstructed access to the aisle; they don’t need to awkwardly step over their seatmates or ask them to move.

“The new 124-seat E2s complement the airline’s eight 50-seat E145s flying with Air Peace Hopper. The Embraer fleet will create greater regional and domestic connectivity from the carrier’s Lagos hub. Apart from the 13 195-E2s on firm order, Air Peace has purchase rights for 17 more of the aircraft according to Embraer,” he said.

General Manager, Corporate Affairs of FAAN, Henrietta Yakubu, said the authority has put necessary safety measures in place for safe operations during the Salah period, particularly with respect to the COVID-19 protocols laid down by relevant government agencies.

She, however, said: “While we advise intending passengers to make early preparations towards completing their travel requirements in good time, we also want to re-emphasise that protocol officers and orderlies of dignitaries will not be allowed into the airport except if they are travelling alongside their principals. Only travelling passengers will be allowed into the airports,” Yakubu said.