By John Umeh
Nigerian carrier Air Peace has officially launched direct passenger flights between Lagos and São Paulo, marking a historic step in connecting Africa and South America. The development follows an aviation agreement signed between Nigeria and Brazil earlier this year and witnessed by President Bola Tinubu in Brasília.
The inaugural flight carried members of Nigeria’s official delegation as well as Brazilian business leaders, underscoring the route’s potential to boost trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between the two nations.
In a statement shared on social media, the Nigerian presidency hailed the milestone as proof that “Nigerian carriers can compete on global routes, and that Nigeria’s partnerships deliver immediate, tangible results.”
Cargo Operations to Follow
Under the terms of the deal, Air Peace will operate the passenger service, while Brazil’s Cavertin Airlines is expected to commence cargo flights on the same corridor before the end of the year. Officials noted that this marks Nigeria’s first-ever regular direct air link to South America, a long-sought milestone in aviation diplomacy.
Cutting Travel Time, Expanding Opportunities
Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, described the launch as “transformative,” explaining that trips to Brazil previously required nearly 20 hours with lengthy 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,” Keyamo said.
Air Peace chairman Allen Onyema echoed that view, stressing the broader economic potential. “Instead of committing two days to travel to Brazil, we now have direct access. This partnership opens immense opportunities for both countries,” Onyema said, praising President Tinubu and federal officials for facilitating the breakthrough.
Economic and Diplomatic Impact
The Lagos–São Paulo service is expected to serve as a catalyst for increased Nigerian exports, particularly in agriculture and manufacturing, while also encouraging Brazilian investment in Africa’s largest economy. Trade analysts believe the connection will strengthen bilateral commerce in areas such as oil, agricultural products, textiles, and technology.
The development is also seen as a cultural bridge, enabling easier exchange in education, sports, and tourism between the two nations, which share a deep historical connection dating back to the transatlantic era.
Fleet Expansion to Cement Ties
In a related move, Air Peace has confirmed an order of 21 Embraer jets from Brazil, a decision industry observers say will further consolidate Nigeria–Brazil aviation ties while boosting the airline’s fleet modernization strategy.
With the launch of the Lagos–São Paulo route, Air Peace continues its rapid expansion into intercontinental markets, building on earlier successes with London, Jeddah, and Johannesburg services.
As Nigeria’s aviation sector pushes for stronger global integration, the Lagos–São Paulo direct connection is being hailed as a symbol of renewed confidence in the country’s carriers and a cornerstone of Tinubu’s foreign economic diplomacy.
