December 05, (THEWILL) — In line with a legacy of leadership and bold vision, Dr Allen Onyema, the Chairman and CEO of Air Peace Limited, was awarded “Aviation Executive of the Year” at the inaugural edition of the Nigeria International Air Show held at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, from 2nd December to 4th December, 2025.
The accolade, presented by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr Yakubu Adam Kofamata, celebrates Onyema’s transformational role in overhauling West African aviation through Air Peace.
Under his leadership, Air Peace evolved from a small startup to the largest privately owned carrier in West and Central Africa. Onyema’s founding vision was to use the airline not only as a business venture but as an engine for economic empowerment, creating thousands of jobs across Nigeria and connecting previously underserved cities through robust domestic and regional networks.
Importantly, Onyema has also driven bold international ambitions. Under his guidance, Air Peace became the first Nigerian airline in decades to re-establish direct connectivity to London, first via Lagos–London Gatwick, and in 2025 via Abuja–London Heathrow.
That landmark Abuja–London route demonstrates his unwavering commitment to restoring Nigerian aviation’s global presence and competitiveness.
Beyond business metrics, Onyema’s leadership has helped reshape Nigeria’s aviation identity, showing that a Nigerian airline can not only survive but thrive, competing head-to-head with international carriers, even on long-haul routes. His award as “Aviation Executive of the Year” honours this sustained commitment to excellence, safety, growth, and national pride.
With this recognition, Onyema’s legacy is reinforced as a pioneer who refused to settle for incremental growth, instead charting a bold course to connect Africa to the world and to uplift Nigerians through jobs, connectivity, and global visibility.
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.
