Nigeria’s largest carrier, Air Peace, has expanded its fleet with the addition of another Boeing 737-800 Next Generation aircraft as the airline moves to meet increasing passenger demand across domestic and regional routes.

According to a statement made available to The PUNCH on Tuesday, the newly acquired aircraft, registered as 5N-CGD, arrived at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Sunday, 24 May 2026.

Air Peace said the aircraft, designed to boost passenger capacity while offering improved operational efficiency and enhanced onboard comfort, is configured with 189 Economy Class seats.

The airline added that the aircraft comes with a spacious cabin layout, larger overhead storage compartments, advanced avionics, modern safety systems and fuel-efficient engines, making it one of the most reliable narrow-body aircraft operating globally.

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

Air Peace explained that beyond increasing capacity, the aircraft will also support more efficient route deployment and strengthen schedule reliability across its expanding network within Nigeria and other parts of Africa.

“The Boeing 737-800 NG is designed to deliver enhanced passenger comfort, operational efficiency, and scheduling flexibility across both domestic and regional routes.

“It further reflects the airline’s dedication to deploying the right aircraft across its network while maintaining the highest standards of safety, comfort, and service delivery,” the carrier noted.

The airline also highlighted the environmental and economic advantages of the aircraft, saying its fuel-efficient engines would help lower operating costs and reduce carbon emissions.

“Its fuel-efficient performance supports lower operating costs and reduced carbon emissions, aligning with Air Peace’s commitment to sustainable and efficient aviation operations.

“With the addition of the Boeing 737-800 NG, Air Peace further reinforces its commitment to connecting people, businesses, and opportunities across Africa and beyond,” the airline stated.

The carrier added that the fleet expansion aligns with its broader vision of positioning Nigeria as a major aviation hub in Africa while strengthening regional connectivity and supporting economic growth across the continent.

Meanwhile, Air Peace has launched direct commercial flights between Lagos and Barbados as part of efforts to strengthen air connectivity between Africa and the Caribbean.

The airline confirmed on Sunday that it successfully operated its inaugural scheduled commercial service from Lagos to Barbados, describing the development as “a major step toward advancing air connectivity between Africa and the Caribbean.”

The inaugural flight, operated with the airline’s Boeing 777 aircraft on 24 May, departed Lagos with over 284 passengers on board.

Among dignitaries on the flight were the airline’s Chief Commercial Officer, Nowel Ngala; Barbados High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ghana and Liberia, Juliette Bynoe-Sutherland; actress Temitope Olowoniyan; as well as other airline delegates and passengers.

According to Air Peace, the new route is expected to address longstanding travel challenges experienced by passengers travelling between Africa and the Caribbean.

The airline stated that the service would reduce “the burden of multiple stopovers, lengthy transit times, and complex visa requirements associated with connecting through several foreign destinations.”

It added that the Lagos-Barbados route will provide “a more direct and convenient travel option for tourists, business travellers, diaspora communities, and cultural exchange initiatives across both regions”.

Industry stakeholders described the launch as “another bold milestone in Air Peace’s expanding international operations” and “a strategic move toward positioning Nigeria as a stronger aviation gateway within Africa.”

Air Peace noted that it had continued to expand its international network by prioritising routes that create “practical value for travellers while improving connectivity across underserved markets”.

The airline further stated that the Barbados connection will create new opportunities for tourism, trade, investment and stronger cultural ties between West Africa and the Caribbean.

Following the inaugural trip, the carrier was expected to operate its first commercial return service from Barbados to Lagos on 25 May, while subsequent flights will run twice monthly.