Air Peace Boosts Global Reach with Travelport Partnership

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In a landmark move for African aviation, Travelport, a global leader in travel technology, has signed a multi-year content distribution agreement with Air Peace, Nigeria’s leading airline. This partnership is set to amplify Air Peace’s global profile and revenue by integrating its full range of flights into Travelport+, Travelport’s cutting-edge platform used by hundreds of thousands of travel agencies worldwide.

Through this integration, agents across Africa and international hubs will gain seamless access to Air Peace’s timetables, pricing, and premium offerings, expected to drive a surge in reservations and extend the airline’s influence beyond West Africa.

What the Partnership Offers

 

 

Travel News Africa reports that the partnership equips Air Peace with Travelport’s state-of-the-art merchandising tools, diverse content options, and branding enhancements. These features are essential for standing out in a competitive landscape, especially as demand surges for advanced distribution systems in fast-growing aviation markets such as those in West and Central Africa.

Key benefits highlighted by Travelport and Air Peace executives:

Travelport’s Chief Commercial Officer, Damian Hickey, highlighted Air Peace’s pivotal role in the region, noting that the agreement strengthens Travelport’s offerings while enabling Air Peace to expand its global network.

Air Peace’s Chief Commercial Officer, Nowel Ngala, described the partnership as transformative, boosting global visibility, sales, passenger satisfaction, and securing a stronger presence in key overseas markets.

Air Peace: Network and Global Reach

Air Peace maintains a robust network of local and regional services across Nigeria and West Africa. It also operates long-haul connections to:

• United Kingdom
• Middle East
• Caribbean

The timing of this agreement aligns perfectly with the airline’s aggressive pursuit of opportunities outside its primary zone.

This collaboration also demonstrates Travelport’s commitment to deepening its footprint in Africa, enabling more carriers to leverage widespread agency access and sophisticated sales tools.

Recent Aviation Developments in Nigeria ( 2025 – 2026)

From 2025 to 2026, Nigeria’s aviation sector has experienced significant growth fueled by government reforms, private investment, and fleet modernization.

Key highlights include:

• Air Peace: Multi-year Travelport agreement effective January 2026; new Abuja-London Gatwick and Heathrow routes.
• United Nigeria Airlines: Acquisition of up to 10 Boeing 737-800s from Southwest Airlines (Q1 2026–Q1 2027) for domestic, regional, and international expansion.
• SAHCO (Skyway Aviation Handling Company): Secured new ground-handling contracts with carriers including Pioneer Airlines, Binani Airlines, ExeJet/Enugu Air, and Air Peace.
• Ethiopian Airlines: Increased weekly services in Nigeria to 34 flights across Lagos, Abuja, Kano, and Enugu.
• New entrants: Binani, Pioneer, K-Impex Airlines securing Air Operator Certificates.
• Government initiatives: Bilateral air service agreements, partnerships with Brazil (Embraer-linked firms), China (COMAC C919), and UK leasing companies.

These expansions improve Nigeria’s connectivity, support tourism, and strengthen the country’s position as a West African aviation hub.

Challenges Facing Nigeria’s Aviation Sector

Despite growth, challenges remain:

• High taxes, including a new $11.50 APIS levy (effective December 2025)
• Limited infrastructure and high operational costs
• Uneven growth that may affect rapid scaling

Addressing these issues is critical for realizing the full potential of aviation-driven tourism growth.

Tourism Benefits of Airline Expansions

Airline expansions like the Air Peace-Travelport partnership could reshape Nigerian and African tourism:

• Enhancing connectivity reduces travel time and cost
• Unlocks new markets and routes for international tourists
• Promotes cultural, eco-tourism, and heritage site visits, such as Osun-Osogbo Grove and Lagos beaches
• Stimulates local economies and rural communities
• Supports tourism employment: 217,000 aviation-related jobs in Nigeria
• Boosts GDP: Aviation contributes USD 454.1 million, international tourists inject USD 760.2 million

Across Africa, improved networks and route liberalization under the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM) could add 155,000 jobs and USD 1.3 billion in GDP.

Air Peace Travelport Partnership: What It Means for Nigerian Aviation and Tourism

The Air Peace-Travelport partnership exemplifies Nigeria’s ambition to become a regional aviation hub. While challenges remain, tech-driven collaborations, fleet modernization, and strategic expansions position Nigeria and Africa as key players in global tourism and aviation.

For travelers, these developments mean improved connectivity, access to multi-destination routes, and new opportunities to explore the continent’s cultural and natural treasures.

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FAQs About the Air Peace Travelport Partnership

What is the Air Peace-Travelport partnership?

It is a multi-year content agreement integrating Air Peace flights and services into Travelport+, increasing global accessibility and boosting international sales.

How does this partnership benefit tourism in Nigeria?

It improves connectivity for international visitors, supports local economies, and enhances access to cultural and natural attractions.

What recent expansions are taking place in Nigeria’s aviation sector?

Air Peace new routes, United Nigeria Airlines’ fleet acquisitions, new carriers entering the market, and government partnerships with international aviation firms.

How can airline expansions impact African tourism?

Expanded routes, reduced fares, and improved connectivity can increase tourism, create jobs, and boost GDP.

What challenges does Nigerian aviation face?

High taxes, infrastructure gaps, and uneven growth remain, though reforms and partnerships are addressing these hurdles.

Dive deeper into Africa’s evolving aviation and tourism landscapes. Keep tabs on Rex Clarke Adventures for exclusive stories and insights that keep you ahead of the curve!