Air Peace and Ethiopian Airlines have signed a bilateral interline agreement aimed at strengthening air transport connectivity across Africa, opening up wider travel opportunities and making journeys between African destinations and the rest of the world easier for passengers.
In a joint statement, the airlines described the agreement, which unites West and Central Africa’s largest carrier with the continent’s leading aviation group, as a major milestone for Africa’s aviation industry, particularly as seamless connectivity becomes increasingly important for trade, tourism and economic integration.
Under the deal, the two carriers will work together on passenger transportation and checked baggage services, enabling either airline to issue tickets for qualifying itineraries involving flights operated by both carriers.
The partnership is expected to ease some of the challenges associated with connecting flights, such as making separate bookings and retrieving and rechecking luggage at transit points, where through-checking services are applicable.
Beyond increasing the number of destinations available to travellers, the agreement is designed to provide a more integrated travel experience, allowing passengers to book eligible journeys with a single ticket and have their luggage checked through to their final destinations, subject to applicable terms and conditions.
Air Peace’s extensive domestic and regional network, alongside its expanding international operations, will complement Ethiopian Airlines’ vast global reach across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas.
Consequently, travellers departing from major cities in Nigeria and other West African countries are expected to enjoy better access to Ethiopian Airlines’ international destinations through its Addis Ababa hub.
The statement also noted that international passengers arriving in Ethiopia and connecting through Ethiopian Airlines would have additional options for onward travel to Nigeria and other West African destinations through Air Peace’s network.
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The partnership is expected to further enhance Addis Ababa’s accessibility as a connecting hub for Nigerian and West African travellers heading to destinations outside the continent, while reinforcing Air Peace’s role in advancing aviation connectivity across Africa.
Commenting on the agreement, Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer, Mesfin Tasew, described the partnership as a strategic alliance reflecting both airlines’ shared commitment to enhancing passenger experience and creating greater opportunities across the continent.
“We are delighted to partner with Air Peace, a leading carrier in Nigeria, through this strategic interline agreement.
“This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to enhancing connectivity, improving customer convenience, and supporting the growth of air travel across the African continent. By combining our strengths, we are creating more travel opportunities and bringing Africa closer to the world,” Tasew said.
Air Peace Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Allen Onyema, said the partnership would deepen connectivity, create fresh opportunities for travellers and strengthen economic and cultural relationships across Africa.
“This partnership with Ethiopian Airlines represents another significant milestone in our commitment to strengthening Africa’s aviation connectivity and bringing the continent closer together. By combining Air Peace’s extensive domestic and regional network, and our growing international network, with Ethiopian Airlines’ global reach, we are creating greater opportunities for seamless travel in and out of the African continent,” Onyema said.
He stressed that the benefits of the agreement extend beyond passenger convenience, noting that improved air links are essential to fostering stronger economic, commercial and cultural relationships.
“Beyond expanding travel options, this collaboration reflects our shared vision of fostering stronger economic, commercial and cultural ties across Africa and beyond,” he added.
Onyema further reaffirmed Air Peace’s commitment to building strategic partnerships that would improve service delivery, widen its reach and strengthen the continent’s aviation industry.
“At Air Peace, we remain committed to building strategic partnerships that enhance passenger convenience, broaden connectivity and position African aviation as a formidable force in global air transport,” he said.
By bringing their networks together, Air Peace and Ethiopian Airlines are seeking to address some of these challenges while making it easier for people, goods and business opportunities to move across borders.
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