AerCap, the world’s largest aircraft leasing company, has commended Air Peace for its financial discipline and integrity, calling the Nigerian airline a key player in restoring international confidence in the country’s aviation sector.
The praise came during a ceremony at Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, marking the delivery of a Boeing 737-700 NG aircraft to Air Peace under a dry lease agreement, the first such deal in over a decade.
Gad Wavomba, AerCap’s Vice President of Leasing, described the event as a “historic moment for Nigeria and the region,” highlighting that the transaction reflected renewed faith in the nation’s regulatory and financial systems.
“For nearly ten years, Nigeria faced challenges limiting access to dry leasing due to regulatory and market concerns.
“This achievement proves that transparency, strong partnerships, and effective oversight can restore global confidence, ”Wavomba said.
He credited the success of the deal to the collaboration of multiple stakeholders, including the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the Irish Civil Aviation Authority, the Nigerian government, and Air Peace itself.
“Air Peace trusted us, worked tirelessly, and demonstrated financial transparency and discipline every step of the way,” Wavomba added.
The partnership signaled a positive shift for Nigerian aviation, potentially paving the way for other local carriers to secure competitive leasing agreements and expand their fleets.
For Air Peace, the milestone reinforced its standing as West and Central Africa’s leading airline and a model for operational excellence.
The renewed collaboration between Nigerian operators and global lessors is expected to boost investment, improve safety standards, and create greater employment opportunities in the aviation sector.
