Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest carrier, is set to launch direct flights between Lagos and São Paulo, Brazil, in November, following the signing of a bilateral air services agreement (BASA) between the two countries. The development is a significant milestone in economic and diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Brazil, according to Allen Onyema, the Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace.
The BASA agreement was sealed during President Bola Tinubu’s visit to Brazil, where he engaged in high-level discussions with Brazilian officials, including President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and First Lady Rosângela da Silva. The agreement paves the way for Air Peace to operate scheduled flights between Lagos and São Paulo, with plans to commence three weekly flights initially.
The new route will connect Africa’s largest economy with Latin America’s largest economy, facilitating stronger cooperation in trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. Onyema noted that the route will open up both economies, allowing them to tap into each other’s human and natural resources. The planned flights will cover Lagos–São Paulo and Lagos–Rio de Janeiro, with return connections to Lagos.
President Lula da Silva confirmed the development during a joint press conference with President Tinubu, describing the new route as a step toward deeper cooperation between the two countries. The signing of the BASA agreement was witnessed by Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and Brazil’s Minister of Ports and Airports, Silvio Costa Filhos.
In addition to the BASA agreement, Nigeria and Brazil signed agreements on Diplomatic Training Cooperation and political consultations to address bilateral, regional, and international issues of shared interest. The agreements were signed by Nigeria’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu, and Brazil’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Mauro Vieira.
The launch of direct flights between Nigeria and Brazil is expected to strengthen ties between the two countries and facilitate economic growth. With the commencement of flights in November, Air Peace is poised to play a significant role in promoting trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between Africa and Latin America.
