April 17, (THEWILL) – Nigeria’s leading airline, Air Peace, has celebrated Gold Chinyere Ike, the first woman from Umuerim Umukparo in Mbala, Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State, to travel by air.
Chinyere, who made her maiden flight aboard an Air Peace aircraft, also described the airline as the biggest in Africa.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Head of Corporate Communications at Air Peace, Dr. Ejike Ndiulo.
According to the statement, Chinyere’s first flight experience, which she shared on social media in March 2025, captivated many Nigerians and highlighted the transformative power of air travel.
A graduate of Nursing from Abia State University and a thriving entrepreneurial farmer, Chinyere recounted the wonder of her experience, saying, “When we were on air, I could see the sky differently. Down here, we look up to the sky. But when you’re flying, it’s almost like the sky is beneath you. I couldn’t stop thinking about how such a heavy plane could stay up there.”
She recalled her childhood days when she would watch airplanes pass over her village with her father, imagining they were dropping Christmas gifts from the skies.
Recognising the significance of her journey, the Air Peace Corporate Communications team visited Chinyere’s hometown to celebrate her. The visit was marked by festivities, with traditional Egede dances, drumming, and widespread community excitement.
Overwhelmed by the gesture, Chinyere said, “That you people came to my village just because of me… I’m grateful. The community is so happy.”
On behalf of Air Peace Chairman/CEO, Dr. Allen Onyema, the team presented Chinyere with two complimentary return economy tickets to any domestic destination of her choice, along with branded souvenirs.
In his message, Onyema said, “Ms. Gold Chinyere Ike’s journey represents exactly why we do what we do. Air Peace was founded to make air travel accessible to everyday Nigerians — regardless of background. We believe that when people move, dreams move with them.”
Expressing deep appreciation, Chinyere said, “I never expected this. Air Peace is the biggest, not just in Africa, but worldwide.”
When asked about her next travel plans, she excitedly said, “Lagos again — and Abuja! I’ve never been there before.”
Her parents, who expressed pride and gratitude, praised Air Peace for the honour. Her father, a longtime supporter of the airline, said he had insisted she fly with Air Peace, while her mother thanked Dr. Onyema and the airline for the recognition.
Chinyere’s story, beyond its viral appeal, underscores the progress being made in democratizing air travel in Nigeria. Through initiatives like this, Air Peace continues to bridge social and economic gaps, connecting remote communities to opportunities nationwide and beyond.
Since inception, the airline has remained committed to expanding access to air travel, creating jobs, stimulating local economies, and giving wings to countless personal journeys like Chinyere’s.
Through her inspiring story, Air Peace has once again demonstrated that the sky is not just a destination, but a symbol of limitless possibilities.
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
