This blog post provides an in-depth review of Air Peace's business class experience on their flagship route from Lagos to London, covering airport operations, in-flight services, and the challenges faced by the airline in establishing its London route.
This is the third and final installment of my so-called Air Peace week, where we finally get to fly the airline we discussed previously. The journey has been filled with drama, including lost passports, corrupt immigration officers, an owner on the run from the US government, and negligent maintenance. If you haven't already, check out the previous two videos to get the full context. Today, we will review Air Peace's trip 7 business class on their flagship route from Lagos to London, while also discussing the airline's operational struggles and the potential loss of this service in its first year.
If you watched the last video, you know about Lagos's two terminals. The older terminal is iconic and has become a landmark, while most long-haul carriers have moved to the newer terminal, which features more efficient check-in and arrival systems. After passing through passport and security checks, we entered the terminal, which was opened a couple of years ago with Chinese investment.
The new terminal is designed with local art, including a mural that tells the story of the native people. However, I found the terminal somewhat boring and limited, especially in terms of widebody space. The check-in counters for Air Peace opened about four hours before departure, and after another passport check, we were quickly checked in and given our boarding passes and lounge invitations.
Air Peace has access to a contract lounge in the new terminal, which is a perk for flying the flag carrier. The lounge is spacious but lacks variety in food options, primarily offering rice and a fish cutlet. While it does have showers, they are not well-equipped, and I doubt many people use them. The lounge experience was decent, but it could be improved.
The boarding process was chaotic. Many passengers were unaware of the baggage limits, leading to confusion and frustration at the gate. The boarding line was held up as passengers argued with gate agents about their luggage. Additionally, the gate sign was stuck on the computer's homepage, causing further confusion.
Air Peace boards back to front, which is efficient, but they insisted on boarding business class passengers last. This could be improved by allowing business class passengers to board at their leisure, a strategy used by many airlines.
Air Peace operates two main Boeing 777s on this route, both featuring interiors from former Emirates and Singapore Airlines. Onboard, I found the Singapore Airlines interior to be more comfortable, with a 2-2-2 seating arrangement. Surprisingly, there were only about ten people in the entire business class cabin, allowing for a lot of personal space.
The seats were a bit worn out, lacking some cushioning, but they offered good legroom and privacy partitions. Each seat had a charging port, but there were no overhead air vents. We were welcomed with hot towels, nuts, and a choice of juice or champagne. The bedding provided was average, and the noise-canceling headphones were uncomfortable.
The amenity kit included basic items, but the highlight was the Air Peace pen. The airline aims to be a significant long-haul carrier, and while they have plans for a 787 fleet, they have yet to place an order.
The meal service was impressive, featuring a variety of local West African dishes. I enjoyed the goat meat pepper soup, followed by a delicious braised lamb with potatoes and vegetables. The menu included wine pairings, which was a nice touch. Overall, the meal was one of the best I've had on an airplane, showcasing Air Peace's commitment to quality.
The crew was attentive and friendly, checking on passengers frequently. They introduced themselves and even celebrated Air Peace's 10-year anniversary with a prize draw for passengers. However, they were strict about photography, which seemed excessive given the airline's efforts to improve its image.
Unfortunately, the entertainment system was not functional during the flight, which was disappointing. The seats did not fully recline, and while the bedding was warm, it was not the most comfortable for sleeping. The lavatories were well-equipped with amenities, which was a pleasant surprise.
Upon waking, I was offered breakfast shortly after. The chicken sandwich and cinnamon raisin pastry were well-prepared, and the coffee service was exceptional, with freshly brewed coffee served at my seat. This level of service is typically seen in first class on other airlines.
Air Peace's operations at Gatwick have faced scrutiny, with safety violations reported. The airline has struggled with ground handling issues and has been vocal about the challenges posed by the airport. The owner, Alen Oneyema, has made claims about Gatwick sabotaging their operations, which adds to the complexity of their situation.
Overall, my experience with Air Peace was surprisingly positive, especially considering the airline's troubled reputation. While there are areas for improvement, such as the boarding process, entertainment system, and bedding quality, the in-flight service and meal offerings were commendable. If Air Peace can address its operational challenges and improve its brand image, it may have a bright future in the long-haul market. I left the flight feeling hopeful about the airline's potential and eager to see how they evolve in the coming years.
