Top lender Fidelity Bank Plc has explained why it is supporting Air Peace Airline, including the impending purchase of 10 new Boeing 737 Max aircraft by the leading flyer. Both parties signed an agreement for the purchase of the aircraft on Thursday at the US Consulate in Lagos.

Air Peace, at the occasion, also has signed an agreement with Boeing Corporation of USA for the acquisition of the said 10 brand new 737 MAX 8 aircraft, making history as the first airline in West Africa to add the equipment to its fleet, as it prepares to launch its international flight operations.

Speaking at the agreement signing ceremony at the residence of US Consul General in Lagos, Managing Director of Fidelity Bank, Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo, said that the bank is supporting the airline “because of its financial discipline and sound business model”. He praised Air Peace Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Mr Allen Onyema, for his integrity and hard work.

Speaking on the purchase, Mr Onyema, said that with it Air Peace is now more positioned to lift Nigeria’s economy, create jobs and transform air travel.

“We are excited to add the 737 MAX to our fleet as we expand our network to offer more destinations and serve more passengers,” said Onyema.

“The fuel efficiency and superior operating economics of the 737 MAX will ensure that the aircraft will play a major role in growing our business in the years to come,” he added.

In his remarks, Boeing Commercial Airplanes Sales Director Mr. Larry Tolliver praised Air Peace for the feat.

He assured that the new aircraft would drastically cut the airline’s cost of operations.

The U.S. Consul-General in Lagos, Mr John Bray, assured Air Peace of the support of his country’s government.

The 737 MAX is the fastest-selling airplane in Boeing history, accumulating more than 4,700 orders from 102 customers worldwide.

•Photo shows, L – R; Country Director, Boeing West Africa, Mr. Lawrence Tolliver, US Consul General, Mr. John Bray, Chairman, Air Peace, Barrister Allen Onyema, MD/CEO, Fidelity Bank Plc, Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo, Executive Director, Lagos & South West, Fidelity Bank, Mrs. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, and Director Boeing, Mr. John Fonvielle, during the agreement signing ceremony for the purchase of new 10 Boeing 737 Max B aircraft by Air Peace, at the US Consulate in Lagos . . . on Thursday, Sept. 13, 2018.

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