Air Peace, one of Nigeria’s largest airlines, led by aviation magnate Allen Onyema, and Ethiopian Airlines have signed a bilateral interline agreement aimed at expanding air connectivity across Africa and improving access to international destinations.

The agreement allows passengers travelling on eligible itineraries to book connecting flights operated by both airlines on a single ticket, with through-checked baggage services where applicable.

Announced on Tuesday, the partnership will link Air Peace’s domestic and regional network with Ethiopian Airlines’ extensive international operations through its hub in Addis Ababa, creating additional travel options between Nigeria, West Africa and destinations across five continents.

Partnership connects Nigerian and West African passengers to global destinations

Under the arrangement, passengers departing from major Nigerian and West African cities will be able to connect to Ethiopian Airlines’ international destinations through Addis Ababa.

Similarly, international travellers arriving on Ethiopian Airlines flights will gain access to onward connections within Nigeria and other West African markets served by Air Peace.

The airlines said eligible passengers would benefit from coordinated ticketing and through-checked baggage, allowing luggage to be transferred to their final destinations without requiring collection and rechecking during connecting journeys, where applicable.

The arrangement is expected to simplify travel for passengers undertaking journeys involving multiple destinations and connecting flights. Beyond passenger convenience, the agreement is set to support stronger economic, commercial and cultural relationships across African countries. The airlines also linked the partnership to efforts to deepen regional economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area, noting that improved air connections could facilitate trade, investment and business travel. Tourism is another potential beneficiary, as simplified bookings and expanded connecting services could improve access to destinations for international visitors.

Ethiopian Airlines and Air Peace executives welcome agreement

Air Peace Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Allen Onyema described the agreement as an important milestone in the airline’s efforts to improve connectivity within Africa and between the continent and international markets. He said the partnership would combine Air Peace’s domestic, regional and growing international operations with Ethiopian Airlines’ global reach, creating more convenient travel options for passengers.

Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer Mesfin Tasew described the partnership as a strategic step towards improving customer convenience and strengthening air travel across the continent. “We are delighted to partner with Air Peace, a leading carrier in Nigeria, through this strategic interline agreement. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to enhancing connectivity, improving customer convenience, and supporting the growth of air travel across the African continent,” Tasew said. He added that combining the airlines’ networks would create more travel opportunities and strengthen connections between Africa and the rest of the world.

Air Peace’s growth and global reach

Founded in 2013 by Onyema, Air Peace operates a fleet of 32 aircraft, including Boeing 737s, 777s, and Embraer jets, with eight more on order, bringing the total to 40. The airline has become the largest in Nigeria and West Africa by fleet size and ranks sixth across Sub-Saharan Africa.

Air Peace serves more than 20 destinations, covering19 cities in Nigeria and over 11 cities across nine other countries, including the UK, Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Liberia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Gambia, Benin, Guinea and São Paulo in Brazil. Air Peace operates domestic, regional and international services, providing Ethiopian Airlines passengers with additional connections within Nigeria and West Africa.

The agreement adds to Air Peace’s efforts to build strategic partnerships that broaden its network and strengthen its position in international aviation, while supporting Ethiopian Airlines’ connectivity across the African market.