Air Peace, Ethiopian Airlines sign cross-border travel agreement

Nigeria’s Air Peace and Ethiopian Airlines have signed a bilateral interline agreement to improve air connectivity across Africa and international destinations, allowing passengers to book connecting flights operated by both carriers on a single ticket.

The agreement covers passenger ticketing and checked baggage services, enabling travellers to move between the airlines’ networks without making separate reservations for eligible connecting journeys.

According to a press statement released on Tuesday, the partnership will connect Air Peace’s domestic and regional operations with Ethiopian Airlines’ international network across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas.

Commenting on the development, the Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer, Mesfin Tasew, said, “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.”

He added, “By combining our strengths, we are creating more travel opportunities and bringing Africa closer to the world.”

Under the arrangement, passengers departing from major Nigerian and West African cities will be able to connect to Ethiopian Airlines’ international destinations through its Addis Ababa hub.

Similarly, international passengers arriving on Ethiopian Airlines flights will have access to onward connections within Nigeria and other West African destinations served by Air Peace.

The airlines explained that eligible passengers would also benefit from through-checked baggage, allowing their luggage to be transferred to their final destination without the need for collection and rechecking during connections, where applicable.

The arrangement is expected to simplify travel procedures, particularly for passengers undertaking journeys involving multiple destinations or connecting flights.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, described the agreement as an important development in the airline’s efforts to improve connectivity within Africa and between the continent and other international markets.

“This partnership with Ethiopian Airlines represents another significant milestone in our commitment to strengthening Africa’s aviation connectivity and bringing the continent closer together,” Onyema said.

“By combining Air Peace’s extensive domestic, 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.”

He explained that the collaboration would extend beyond passenger convenience to support commercial activities and economic relationships among African countries.

“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 explained that Air Peace would continue pursuing partnerships aimed at improving customer experience and strengthening the competitiveness of African airlines.

“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.

The airlines linked the partnership to efforts to deepen regional economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area, noting that improved air transport connections could facilitate trade, investment and the movement of business travellers.

They also identified tourism as a potential beneficiary, as simplified bookings and expanded connecting services could make destinations more accessible to international visitors.

Ethiopian Airlines operates passenger and cargo services to more than 160 domestic and international destinations across five continents, while Air Peace provides domestic, regional and international services.