Anambra, Air Peace partner on aircraft service centre

Chinazor Megbolu |

The Anambra State Government is partnering with a foremost indigenous airliner, Air Peace to set up a Service Centre in the State.

The State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr. Don Adinuba, made this known, saying that
Anambra Cargo Airport will be the location for Africa’s aircraft Service Centre Umueri, Anambra-East Local Government Area.

He also said the State government has already strategised towards working with Air Peace to make the move achievable.

Adinuba noted that the essence of the partnership was to get Embraer of Brazil, which is the world’s fourth largest civilian aircraft manufacturer, to establish a service centre for Africa in the State.

Adinuba hinted further that the State Governor, Willie Obiano, has been in talks with the Air Peace founder, Chief Allen Onyema, since 2020 towards getting the Brazilian firm to locate the service centre at the Anambra International Cargo Airport.

He pointed out that the centre was still undergoing construction at the moment.

Quoting the governor, Adinuba said: “As the first carrier in Africa to purchase Embraer’s E series, which is the latest, Air Peace, with our support, is in a strong position to lobby the manufacturer to bring such a centre to our State.

“If Air Peace builds a hanger there and Embraer follows suit with an African service centre, the vision of building this modern and large airport on a very large swath of land will have been realised.

“We didn’t set out to build just any airport, but a strategic one which will help boost traditional commerce in our state and beyond, but, importantly, result in technology transfer and in the transformation of our economic landscape.

“It is not just in Brazil that he has boosted our reputation far better than any person but also in such places as South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates where Air Peace flies into regularly, with plans to start flying into the United States, India, Israel and the United Kingdom shortly.

“What is more, the excellent safety record of the carrier and the efficient ground and onboard services it provides, coupled with its schedule integrity, have all combined to make it compete effectively with the best airlines in the world.

“We are proud that Chief Onyema, a worthy son of Anambra State, is championing African economic integration, a Nigerian foreign policy plank, through tireless opening of regional routes.

“This is to say nothing about his promotion of national integration and unity by flying every hour to all parts of Nigeria.

“Air travel in Nigeria would have been extremely difficult if not for Chief Onyema who is not driven by the profit motive but service to humanity, starting with fellow Nigerians”.

Adinuba, however buttressed that Air Peace, has 30 aircraft in its fleet since 2013 the company resumed operations.

He added that Air Peace is expecting 23 more aircrafts from both Embraer and Boeing Corporation of the United States.