By Nathaniel Irobi
Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s leading aviation group, and Air Peace, Nigeria’s leading carrier, have signed a bilateral interline agreement, marking a significant step towards strengthening air transport connectivity across Africa and expanding travel opportunities for passengers.
The partnership, announced in Addis Ababa, will see the two airlines collaborate through a bilateral interline arrangement covering both passenger travel and checked baggage services. The agreement enables each airline to issue tickets for eligible itineraries that include flights operated by both carriers, providing customers with a more convenient and integrated travel experience.
Under the arrangement, passengers will be able to book qualifying journeys on a single ticket and enjoy through-checked baggage to their destination where applicable. The streamlined process eliminates the need for separate bookings and baggage re-checks, creating a smoother and more efficient travel experience.
The agreement links Air Peace’s domestic and regional network with Ethiopian Airlines’ vast international network spanning Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and the Americas. As a result, travellers departing from major Nigerian and West African cities will gain seamless access to Ethiopian Airlines’ global destinations through Addis Ababa, while international passengers arriving on Ethiopian Airlines flights will benefit from expanded onward travel options across Nigeria and West Africa through Air Peace’s domestic network.
Commenting on the partnership, Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer, Mr. 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. By combining our strengths, we are creating more travel opportunities and bringing Africa closer to the world.”
On his part, Dr. Allen Onyema, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, described the deal as another milestone in the airline’s commitment to strengthening Africa’s aviation connectivity.
“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 added: “Beyond expanding travel options, this collaboration reflects our shared vision of fostering stronger economic, commercial and cultural ties across Africa and beyond. 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.”
The partnership is expected to contribute significantly to regional integration and economic development by facilitating the movement of people, businesses and investments across Africa and the rest of the world. As African economies continue to pursue closer integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), improved air connectivity remains a critical enabler of economic cooperation and sustainable growth.
The Ethiopian Airlines–Air Peace interline agreement will help bridge markets, connect communities and create new opportunities for businesses and travellers alike. It will also support tourism by making destinations more accessible and reducing travel complexities for leisure and business travellers.
With simplified booking procedures, coordinated travel arrangements and expanded network reach, passengers can look forward to a more seamless journey from origin to destination.
The partnership reinforces both airlines’ commitment to delivering enhanced customer service and supporting the development of a connected, competitive and prosperous African aviation sector.
Ethiopian Airlines Group is a true African success story, transforming a visionary dream into a globally renowned reality for eight decades. Operating flights to more than 160 domestic and international passenger and cargo destinations across five continents, Ethiopian bridges the gaps between Africa and the world. Emphasising passenger comfort and environmental sustainability, Ethiopian utilises ultra-modern aircraft such as the Boeing 737s, 777s, 787s, Airbus A350-900, A350-1000 and De Havilland Q400.
A Star Alliance member, Ethiopian has won various coveted awards, including Skytrax’s ‘Best Airline in Africa Award’ for nine consecutive years, the APEX ‘Best Overall in Africa’ award and the ‘Leadership in Connecting Africa through Transport’ Award, among others. Ethiopian is pursuing a multi-hub strategy through hubs in Lomé, Togo with ASKY; Lilongwe, Malawi with Malawi Airlines; Lusaka, Zambia with Zambia Airways; and Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo with Air Congo.
Air Peace is Nigeria’s largest airline, operating domestic, regional and international services with a growing fleet and an expanding route network across Africa, Europe, South America, the Caribbean and the Middle East. The airline is committed to enhancing connectivity, promoting economic development and positioning Nigeria and Africa as key players in global aviation.
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