Nigeria has taken a major leap in global aviation as Air Peace successfully operated a direct demonstration flight from São Paulo to Lagos, marking the beginning of a new air corridor between Africa’s largest economy and South America’s biggest market.
The milestone comes on the heels of a historic aviation agreement signed in Brasília, witnessed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which paves the way for closer trade, cultural, and diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Brazil.
Photos of the signed agreement and a video of Aviation Minister Festus Keyamo addressing the inaugural flight were shared Wednesday on the official X handle of the Nigerian Presidency, underscoring the significance of the achievement.
According to the Presidency, the direct route proves that “Nigerian carriers can compete on global routes, and that Nigeria’s partnerships deliver immediate, tangible results.”
Under the new deal, Air Peace will handle passenger flights, while Cavertin will operate cargo services on the Lagos–São Paulo route, both set to commence fully in the last quarter of 2025.
The demonstration flight signals Nigeria’s readiness to operationalize the corridor and highlights the capacity of Nigerian private enterprises to transform government agreements into concrete action.
Speaking on the breakthrough, Minister Keyamo stressed that the Lagos–São Paulo link will drastically reduce travel times, noting: “A journey that previously took nearly 20 hours through Europe or the Middle East will now be significantly shortened with direct flights operated by Air Peace.”
He also revealed that Air Peace has placed an order for 21 Embraer jets from Brazil, strengthening bilateral aviation and trade relations.
Air Peace Chairman and CEO Allen Onyema hailed President Tinubu and government officials for their support, declaring: “The President has opened the door of the future for Nigeria.
Instead of committing two days to travel to Brazil, we now have direct access to South America’s largest economy, just as Nigeria leads in Africa. We need each other, and this partnership will bring immense opportunities.”
The Lagos–São Paulo route is expected to spur trade, investment, tourism, and cultural exchange between the two nations.
It also aligns with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, designed to unlock new markets, strengthen South–South cooperation, and create opportunities for Nigerian businesses and travellers alike.
