Festus Keyamo, Minister of Aviation
The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development has approved the request of Air Peace and authorised the airline to operate commercial flights to John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, US.
Air Peace had in a letter dated January 12, 2024, written to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, requesting approval to operate to New York.
In a letter dated February 9, 2024, with reference number FMA/ATMD/0186/S.5/X/696 and titled, ‘Conveyance of approval to Messrs Air Peace Limited to operate commercial international flight operations into and out of New York,” the Ministry stated that granting of the request is in line with the subsisting ‘Open Skies’ agreement between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the government of the United States of America.
The letter, which was signed by Director, Air Transport Management, H.T. Ejibunu, stated, “I am directed to acknowledge receipt of your letter dated January 12, 2024, on the above subject and convey the Honourable Minister’s approval for the designation of Air Peace Limited to operate commercial international flights into and out of John F. Kennedy International Airport, New York, United States of America.
“This is in line with the subsisting ‘Open Skies’ agreement between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the government of the United States of America.
“Consequently, your airline is being advised to liaise with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) of the United States of America for documentation before commencement of scheduled flight operations. However, the airline is required to comply with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (CARs) 2023 part 18.5.11 by taking further necessary steps to liaise with the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on the requirements. Kindly note that the approval has been communicated to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for its further necessary action.”
Air Peace Limited is the largest airline in Nigeria and West Africa, which kicked off its international operations to United Arab Emirates (Dubai), South Africa, India, China in addition to West and Central African destinations.
