Air Peace adds Boeing 737-800 aircraft, launches direct Lagos-Barbados service

Nigeria’s largest airline, Air Peace, has expanded its fleet with the addition of a Boeing 737-800 Next Generation aircraft as part of efforts to increase capacity on domestic and regional routes.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the airline said the newly acquired aircraft, registered as 5N-CGD, arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Sunday, May 24, 2026.

According to the carrier, the aircraft is configured with 189 Economy Class seats and is expected to support growing passenger demand across its network.

The airline stated that the Boeing 737-800 NG features a spacious cabin layout, larger overhead storage compartments, advanced avionics systems and fuel-efficient engines.

Air Peace said the aircraft would improve route deployment and strengthen schedule reliability across its operations within Nigeria and other African destinations.

“The addition of this aircraft is part of our strategic drive to meet rising passenger demand across domestic and regional markets,” the airline stated.

The carrier added that the aircraft would contribute to lower operating costs and reduced carbon emissions due to its fuel-efficient performance.

According to Air Peace, the fleet expansion aligns with its long-term objective of strengthening regional connectivity and supporting Nigeria’s position as an aviation hub in Africa.

Meanwhile, the airline has also commenced direct commercial flight operations between Lagos and Barbados.

Air Peace confirmed that it operated its inaugural scheduled flight from Lagos to Barbados on May 24 using a Boeing 777 aircraft.

The airline said the inaugural flight departed Lagos with more than 284 passengers onboard.

Passengers on the flight included the airline’s Chief Commercial Officer, Nowel Ngala; Barbados High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ghana and Liberia, Juliette Bynoe-Sutherland; actress Temitope Olowoniyan; alongside other airline officials and travellers.

According to the airline, the route is intended to improve connectivity between Africa and the Caribbean by reducing multiple stopovers, long transit periods and visa-related travel challenges.

Air Peace stated that the Lagos-Barbados service would provide a direct travel option for tourists, business travellers, diaspora communities and cultural exchange programmes.

Industry stakeholders described the launch as a significant development in the airline’s international operations and a step toward improving Nigeria’s role in regional and international aviation connectivity.

The airline added that the Barbados route is expected to create opportunities for tourism, trade, investment and cultural exchanges between West Africa and the Caribbean.

Air Peace said return flights from Barbados to Lagos commenced on May 25, while regular operations on the route are expected to run twice monthly.