Nigeria’s leading airline, Air Peace, is set to receive its first Boeing 737-700 aircraft, marking another significant milestone in its fleet expansion and modernization strategy. The aircraft, registered EI-HRN (msn 32674), is being leased from AerCap, one of the world’s largest aircraft leasing companies, as part of the airline’s continued effort to enhance capacity, reliability, and international reach.
According to aviation data and industry sources, the aircraft already painted in Air Peace’s distinctive livery was recently spotted undergoing maintenance at Belo Horizonte Tancredo Neves Airport in Brazil. ADS-B flight tracking data confirmed that the plane departed Brazil on October 10, made a stopover at Sal Amilcar Cabral International Airport, and subsequently arrived at Shannon, Ireland on October 11, ahead of its final delivery to Lagos, Nigeria.
The 19.4-year-old Boeing 737-700 is one of twenty similar models in AerCap’s global portfolio. The aircraft features a two-cabin configuration—eight seats in business class and 120 in economy—making a total of 128 seats. Originally delivered to SkyEurope Airlines in 2006, it was later operated by Aerolíneas Argentinas before being leased to Air Peace.
This addition brings Air Peace’s total fleet size to 34 aircraft as of October 2025, though about two-thirds of the fleet (20 aircraft) are currently inactive due to maintenance and operational constraints. To address temporary capacity gaps, Air Peace has wet-leased four Airbus A320-200s—two from SmartLynx Airlines and two from SmartLynx Airlines Malta—to maintain service levels on busy routes.
The airline’s current diverse fleet includes six Boeing 737-300s, four Boeing 737-500s, two Boeing 777-200ERs, two Boeing 777-300s, one Dornier 328-300, eight Embraer 145s, one Embraer 190, one Embraer 195, and five of the next-generation Embraer 195-E2s—although four of the latter are grounded due to Pratt & Whitney engine issues. Air Peace has placed firm orders for 16 E195-E2s, with five already delivered and 11 still on backlog after converting three E175s into the larger E2 variant in 2023.
Beyond its fleet expansion, Air Peace is also scaling up its international operations. The airline will begin Abuja to London Heathrow flights on October 26, a landmark move that strengthens its presence on long-haul routes. Plans are also underway to launch direct flights between Lagos and São Paulo, Brazil, by late November or early December 2025.
Industry observers note that this latest fleet addition underlines Air Peace’s commitment to becoming a dominant African carrier, capable of competing globally while offering reliable service and enhanced passenger comfort. The induction of the Boeing 737-700 from AerCap not only increases operational flexibility but also positions the Nigerian airline for continued growth in both regional and intercontinental markets.
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