Nigeria’s largest airline, Air Peace, has taken delivery of its first factory-new Embraer E175 aircraft, reinforcing its route strategy to improve regional connectivity across West and Central Africa.
The aircraft strengthens Air Peace’s long-standing partnership with Embraer, complementing the airline’s existing fleet of E195-E2 and ERJ145 aircraft. The E175 is expected to provide greater operational flexibility, enabling the carrier to increase flight frequencies on key domestic routes while launching services to four additional African cities.
Air Peace Chairman and CEO Allen Onyema describes the delivery as a significant milestone in the airline’s growth strategy.
“The delivery of our first Embraer E175 is a major milestone in Air Peace’s growth, reflecting our commitment to boosting domestic and regional travel with a modern, efficient fleet,” Onyema says. “As we strengthen our leadership in West and Central Africa, this aircraft will increase our operational flexibility and market reach while maintaining the safety, reliability and excellent service our passengers expect.”
Arjan Meijer, President and CEO of Embraer Commercial Aviation, says the delivery reflects growing demand among airlines for aircraft that balance efficiency with the ability to expand regional networks.
“This delivery highlights the continued demand for right-sized aircraft, with airlines seeking to expand connectivity while maintaining high levels of efficiency and service,” he says.
The expansion comes as Africa’s aviation sector is forecast to see sustained long-term growth, driven by urbanization, population growth and rising demand for air travel. Embraer’s latest Market Outlook identifies 55 intra-African city pairs lacking direct air services—up from 45 in 2025—which Embraer says underscores the opportunity for right-sized aircraft such as the E175 to open new routes and improve connectivity.
Air Peace’s fleet also includes Boeing 777s for long-haul services and 737s alongside its Embraer aircraft. The carrier has recently expanded its international network with direct flights to London, Antigua and Barbados, and continues to serve Istanbul, Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, and major West African capitals in Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Cameroon and Senegal. The airline has also secured regulatory approval to launch services to Brazil.
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