Air Peace said it has expanded its regional network with the commencement of scheduled flight operations on the Lagos-Conakry-Bamako route, a move which the company said is expected to boost trade, tourism and economic cooperation between Nigeria, Guinea and Mali.
According to a statement by the airline on Monday, the inaugural flight departed the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Terminal 2, Lagos, on Saturday, in continuation of the airline’s drive to strengthen intra-African connectivity and provide travellers with easier access to destinations across West and Central Africa.
The airline said the new route reflects its commitment to bridging African cities while creating seamless travel opportunities for business people, tourists and families across the continent.
The Air Peace delegation, led by the airline’s Chief Commercial Officer, Nowel Ngala, and Director of Flight Operations, Augustine Kamano, received a delegation led by Guinea’s Minister of Transport, Ousmane Diallo; Nigeria’s Ambassador to Guinea, Umaru Kamfu; Director of the Civil Aviation Authority, Thiam Sekou; and members of the Nigerian community resident in Guinea.
Speaking during the reception, Diallo described Air Peace’s entry into Guinea as a significant development that would deepen bilateral relations between both countries.
He said: “This new air connection is more than just another route. It represents stronger ties between Guinea and Nigeria and will facilitate greater movement of people, trade and investment. Improved connectivity creates opportunities for businesses, enhances tourism and brings our people closer together.”
Also speaking, Sekou said increased air connectivity remained critical to the development of Africa’s aviation industry and regional integration.
“We welcome Air Peace’s operations because improved connectivity is essential for economic growth and regional cooperation. Every new route contributes to making West Africa more accessible and competitive,” he stated.
Nigeria’s Ambassador to Guinea, Kamfu, commended the airline for expanding its African network, saying the route would ease travel for Nigerians, Guineans and other passengers across the sub-region.
“Air Peace has continued to demonstrate confidence in Africa by opening new routes that promote integration. This service will strengthen bilateral relations while providing a more convenient travel option for our citizens and other travellers,” the ambassador said.
Responding, the airline’s Chief Commercial Officer Ngala said the Conakry and Bamako services formed part of the airline’s strategy to build a comprehensive African network that seamlessly links passengers from its domestic operations to regional and international destinations.
“Today’s inaugural flight is another important milestone in our regional connectivity journey. We remain committed to building a robust African network that allows passengers from across Nigeria to connect conveniently through Lagos to destinations within Africa and beyond, including London and the Caribbean,” he said.
According to him, Air Peace would continue investing in routes that bring African cities closer together while providing passengers with greater convenience, wider travel options and improved connectivity.
“Our vision goes beyond transporting passengers. We are creating opportunities for commerce, tourism and cultural exchange by making travel across Africa easier and more accessible,” Ngala added.
After departing Conakry, the inaugural flight proceeded to Bamako, where it landed at the Modibo Keita International Airport to another warm reception.
According to the airline, Air Peace was received by the Deputy Director of Assistance Aéroportuaire du Mali, Abdrahamane Farota; the Technical Director of Assistance Aéroportuaire du Mali, Bahide Konandji, who represented the Director General of Mali Airport, and members of the Nigerian community in Mali.
Farota described the airline’s arrival as a welcome development for Mali’s aviation sector and bilateral relations with Nigeria, saying, “The commencement of this service will strengthen connectivity between Mali and Nigeria while opening new opportunities for commerce, tourism and economic cooperation. We are delighted to welcome Air Peace.”
Representing the Director-General of Mali Airport, Konandji expressed optimism that the service would improve regional mobility.
“This new route is an important step towards deeper regional integration. It will make travel easier for passengers moving between Mali, Nigeria and other destinations across Air Peace’s growing network,” he stated.
With the introduction of the Lagos–Conakry–Bamako route, Air Peace now serves 13 regional destinations across West Africa, marking 11 years of operations.
