AerCap, the world’s largest aircraft leasing company, has commended Air Peace for its financial discipline and integrity, describing the Nigerian airline as a major force in rebuilding international trust in the country’s aviation sector.
The commendation came during a ceremony at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos to mark the delivery of a Boeing 737-700 NG aircraft to Air Peace under a dry lease agreement the first such transaction involving a Nigerian carrier in more than a decade.
AerCap’s Vice President of Leasing, Gad Wavomba, described the milestone as a “historic moment for Nigeria and the region,” noting that the agreement reflects renewed confidence in the nation’s regulatory and financial frameworks.
“For nearly ten years, Nigeria faced challenges that limited access to dry leasing due to regulatory and market concerns,” Wavomba said. “This achievement proves that with transparency, strong partnerships, and effective oversight, global confidence can be restored.”
He credited the success of the deal to collaboration among key stakeholders, including the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Irish Civil Aviation Authority, and the Nigerian government, highlighting Air Peace’s accountability and commitment to compliance.
“We owe a lot of thanks to the Nigerian government for their initiatives, the NCAA for facilitating the 83-Bis Agreement, the Irish Civil Aviation Authority, and the Irish Ambassador, who came from Abuja to support this process. But most importantly, we thank Air Peace. They trusted us, worked tirelessly, and demonstrated financial transparency and discipline every step of the way,” Wavomba added.
The partnership between AerCap and Air Peace is seen as a breakthrough for Nigerian aviation, potentially paving the way for other local airlines to secure similar international leasing arrangements and modernize their fleets.
For Air Peace, the deal further strengthens its position as West and Central Africa’s leading airline and underscores its commitment to operational excellence. The carrier continues to expand its regional and international network, reinforcing Nigeria’s image as a rising hub in global aviation.
Industry experts believe the renewed collaboration between Nigerian operators and international lessors will boost investment, enhance safety standards, and create more employment opportunities across the aviation sector.
