Air Peace and Etihad Airways have signed an interline agreement that will expand air connectivity across Nigeria, West Africa and the Middle East by linking the Nigerian carrier’s extensive regional network with the UAE airline’s global operations.
The partnership, announced on Thursday, will enable passengers to travel seamlessly on a single ticket between Etihad’s international network and more than 20 destinations served by Air Peace across Nigeria, West and Central Africa.
Under the agreement, Etihad passengers flying into Lagos and Accra will be able to connect to major Nigerian cities including Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano, Enugu, Benin City, Owerri, Warri and Asaba through Air Peace’s domestic network.
The arrangement also extends access to several regional destinations such as Abidjan, Dakar, Banjul, Freetown, Monro
Conversely, Air Peace passengers will gain access to Abu Dhabi on Etihad’s planned Lagos and Accra services once the routes commence operations, providing onward connections to Etihad’s extensive international network.
The agreement comes as Etihad accelerates its expansion into Africa following its announcement in April of a new daily Abu Dhabi-Lagos service.
Speaking on the partnership, Etihad Airways’ Chief Commercial and Revenue Officer, Arik De, described Nigeria as central to the airline’s long-term African growth strategy.
“Our ambitions in Africa are long term, and Nigeria sits at the centre of them. This agreement gives our guests access to one of the continent’s most extensive domestic and regional networks, and it brings Air Peace’s customers to Abu Dhabi to experience our home,” he said.
According to him, partnerships with strong local airlines remain key to Etihad’s expansion strategy across the continent.
Also commenting, Air Peace Chief Commercial Officer, Nowel Ngala, said the agreement aligns with the airline’s commitment to improving connectivity for Nigerian and West African travellers.
“Air Peace has always been about opening doors for Nigerian and West African travellers. Working with Etihad Airways extends that ambition, giving our customers convenient access to Abu Dhabi on Etihad’s services once the new routes begin, while bringing Etihad’s guests to the many destinations we serve across the region,” he said.
Ngala expressed optimism that the partnership would enhance travel options for passengers across both airline networks.
Once implemented, customers will be able to book combined itineraries through the airlines’ respective booking platforms, making travel between Africa, the Middle East and other international destinations more seamless.
Industry analysts say the interline agreement is expected to strengthen Nigeria’s position as a regional are travellers across West and Central Africa
Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest airline, currently operates domestic, regional and international services across Africa, Europe, South America, the Caribbean and the Middle East.
Etihad Airways, the national carrier of the United Arab Emirates, serves destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia and North America from its Abu Dhabi hub through its own operations and partner airlines.
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