….battling Slots for a London Dream
Nigeria’s aviation landscape is poised for a significant shift, fueled by the burning ambition of Air Peace, its major carrier.
Their sights are set on the lucrative Lagos-London route, currently dominated by British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. But a critical hurdle stands in their way: obtaining favorable slot allocation at Gatwick Airport.
Nigeria’s Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister, Mr Festus Keyamo, a champion of Nigerian aviation along with Nigerian aviation officials, embarked on a crucial mission to the UK Department for Transport, determined to secure Air Peace’s rightful place in the sky.
The crux of the issue lies in ad-hoc slots – temporary assignments unsuitable for a scheduled service. Air Peace desires the stability and consistency of fixed slots, allowing them to offer the reliable experience passengers deserve.
The Minister in a meeting with the UK authorities passionately presented Air Peace’s case, highlighting the airline’s meticulous compliance with all UK requirements.
He emphasized the frustration of a decade-long absence of Nigerian reciprocity on the Lagos-London route, a missed opportunity for economic growth and cultural exchange.
While the UK government clarified their limited role in slot allocation at primary airports, they acknowledged the concerns and agreed to raise them with the relevant authorities. This glimmer of hope rekindled Air Peace’s aspirations.
During the visit, the Minister had further discussions with NORSE Atlantic Airways, a long-haul carrier partnering with Air Peace, revealed their eagerness to collaborate once Air Peace gains its London foothold.
This strategic partnership promises to expand Air Peace’s reach beyond London, opening doors to exciting new destinations.
Keyamo’s unwavering support for Nigerian airlines shines through. He views aviation as a vital cog in President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda,” driving economic revival and national pride.
In discussions with the management of NORSE Atlantic Airways led by its CEO, Mr Ben Boiling, Keyamo gave credence to the spread of Air Peace on regional and international routes, and stated that NORSE Atlantic Airways partnership with Air Peace Airline is the right step in the right direction.
Mr Boiling on his part thanked the Minister for being part of the discussions, saying that NORSE Atlantic Airways was ready to start the partnership with Air Peace the moment the final authorisation is granted to the Nigerian carrier for the commencement of direct flights into Gatwick Airport in London from Lagos, Nigeria.
The journey won’t be easy, but the combined efforts of Air Peace, the Ministry, and supportive partners like NORSE Atlantic Airways, paint a promising picture.
The quest for favorable slots is far from over, but the determination to conquer this challenge and see Air Peace soar through the skies burns bright.
This is a story not just about slots and schedules, but about ambition, resilience, and the unwavering pursuit of a dream that will connect Nigeria and the UK in a whole new way.
Nigerian aviation officials from the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development and the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) were in London to discuss with the officials of Department for Transport of the UK on how to surmount the issue of slot allocation to Air Peace to fly into Gatwick Airport in London.
Also at the meeting were top executive management team of Air Peace led by its Chief Operating Officer, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Olajide and Executive Director, Ms Nnenna Onyema.