SEVEN FOUNDERS OF LOCAL AIRLINES IN NIGERIA’S $1.78B AVIATION INDUSTRY
l SEVEN FOUNDERS OF LOCAL AIRLINES IN NIGERIA’S $1.7B AVIATION INDUSTRY The Nigerian aviation sector, despite being a critical element in the country’s transportation system and economy, has not reached its full potential compared to other African nations. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) estimates that aviation supports $63 billion in economic activity across Africa. However, Nigeria’s aviation industry contributes a modest $1.7 billion to GDP, representing 0.4% of the national economy—far behind South Africa’s aviation sector, which contributes $12 billion, or 3.5% of GDP. With 20 airports, 23 active domestic airlines, and operations by 22 foreign carriers, Nigeria’s aviation sector holds immense potential. It has created over 241,000 jobs and facilitated international trade and tourism, connecting Nigeria directly to major global business hubs such as London, New York, Johannesburg, Dubai, and Paris. Additionally, Nigeria’s attainment of the FAA International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) Category One Certification allows its carriers to fly directly into the United States, a significant milestone for the sector. Passenger and aircraft traffic has consistently risen by an average of 10% annually, with Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos handling over 60% of the country’s total air traffic. Within this sector are owners of domestic airlines of Nigerian descent. These individuals have invested private capital and helped to a certain extent provide job opportunities and new pathways for growth in the industry. Take a look at some of these personalities as spotlighted by Nairametrics. Allen Ifechukwu Onyema, a Nigerian lawyer and entrepreneur, founded Air Peace in 2013 to create economic opportunities for Nigerian youth. His vision was to build a thriving airline that would serve both domestic and international markets, and over the years, Air Peace has grown into one of the country’s most prominent carriers. The airline’s fleet has expanded significantly, now including Boeing 737s, Boeing 777s, Dornier 328s, Embraer 145s, Embraer 195-E2s, and Airbus 320s. This diverse range of aircraft has supported Air Peace’s growing network, which now includes routes to international destinations such as Accra, Ghana, Sharjah, and Johannesburg, South Africa. Onyema’s commitment to expanding the airline’s reach has positioned Air Peace as a key player in West African aviation, offering affordable air travel options while creating jobs and boosting the local economy. Jacky Hathiramani, the pioneer Managing Director/CEO of Dana Airlines and now the Group Managing Director/CEO of Dana Group of Companies, is a Nigerian born in Jos, Plateau state. He holds a degree in Business Administration from the European Business School of London and sits on the board of several blue-chip companies and PLCs. Jacky started his career in the manufacturing industry, where he was appointed as an Executive Director of Ashmina Limited in 1998. He led major business transformation in the company, which led to his appointment as Group Managing Director. He has been responsible for the strategic development and expansion of the Group, which has evolved into a multi-billion dollar conglomerate with interests in key sectors of the Nigerian economy, including transportation, steel, and aviation. Jacky’s drive and passion for quality service led to the establishment of Dana Air in 2006. The introduction of the airline and its redefining role in the aviation industry, offering world-class customer and in-flight service, with an on-time performance that is still unrivaled, earned Jacky multiple CEO of the Year awards. Jacky’s superior business performance and innovations have enabled the company to achieve commendable market share and recognition as one of Nigeria’s Most Respected Companies. Kunle Soname is a Nigerian entrepreneur, sports enthusiast, and the chairman of Bet9ja, a leading betting platform he founded in 2013. He made history in 2015 as the first Nigerian to acquire a European football club, C.D. Feirense. Soname studied Estate Management at Obafemi Awolowo University, graduating in 1988, and later…