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Tag: Air Peace

  • Osinbajo hails Air Peace, FEHN over fight against gender-based violence

    Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has commended Air Peace and its sister organisation, The Foundation for Ethnic Harmony in Nigeria (FEHN), for their commitment to efforts to stamp out gender-based violence in the country.

    Speaking at the opening ceremony of the National Conference on Sexual and Gender Based Violence Response in Nigeria held at the State House, Abuja on Thursday, Osinbajo said he was pleased that Air Peace was on board the campaign to protect women, children and other vulnerable members of the society from violence.

    The vice president presented a joint award to FEHN and Air Peace for their partnership with the “government and people of Nigeria on gender based violence.”

    The award was received by the Chief Operating Officer of Air Peace, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Olajide. She pledged that the airline and its not-for-profit organisation, FEHN, would continue to seek ways to support the Federal Government in its projects aimed at protecting vulnerable members of the society.

    Delivering a goodwill message at the conference, the Assistant Procurement Manager of FEHN, Mrs. Motunrayo Boladale, commended Osinbajo and his team for rising in protection of women, children and other vulnerable members of the society through the National Conference on Sexual and Gender Based Violence Response in Nigeria.

    She urged strategic action against gender-based violence, saying FEHN and AIr Peace were battling the scourge through training, empowerment of women by tasking them with sensitive positions and creation of job opportunities to take the focus of members of the society from violence and other crimes.

    “The reality of gender-based violence in this age is one that continues to wear frail not only the societal fabric of the African continent, but also the entire world. Unfortunately, in recent years the trajectory of cases of domestic violence, sexual exploitation, early marriage and rape of minors in Nigeria has become rather alarming. Sadly, majority of the victims operate in such vulnerable state that there is the possibility of a recurrence.

    “As conflict reconciliation experts, The Foundation for Ethnic Harmony in Nigeria (FEHN) understands that one of the most effective ways to curb this growing menace is basically the activation of practical proactive measures. Thus, our efforts in the institutionalisation of Nonviolence.  FEHN’s training initiatives are designed to empower individuals at every level. We understand that an empowered individual is less likely to indulge in the act of violence or operate in the position of acceptance. We have the training platforms that educate women and children from the grassroots level. One of our training initiatives is  ‘Message to Schools ‘. This programme has had us train several children in primary and secondary schools.

    “One of the main reasons our sister company, Air Peace Ltd was floated is to create employment. It is heartwarming to know that we have several women gainfully employed by Air Peace. In fact, most of our managers are women, a mark of the dedication of our chairman, Dr. (Barr.) Allen Onyema to the empowerment of women. We strongly believe that as we all join hands individually and collectively to combat gender-based violence, the lasting success we seek will be ours,” Boladale said.

  • Air Peace scales safety test for B777 operations

    Air Peace yesterday said it has  scaled a major regulatory hurdle in its path to international flight services.

    Its spokesman, Chris Iwarah in a stateent, said the airline at the weekend successfully performed  the partial emergency evacuation and ditching demonstrations as part of the safety tests for the operation of its Boeing 777 aircraft.

    In aviation, emergency aircraft evacuation refers to an exercise aimed at evacuating those on an aircraft when an emergency occurs on the ground, in water or mid-flight.

    He said the ditching demonstration, however, simulates a planned water landing and evaluates the airline’s ability to handle such emergency.

    An emergency evacuation demonstration is mostly required when an airline proposes operating a specific aircraft type and model entering into its service for the first time.

    He said once  the signal is given, the aircraft’s emergency evacuation equipment and 50 per cent of the required emergency exits and slides must be ready for use in a maximum of 15 seconds.

    Iwarah said though simulated, evacuation drills are risky operations for crew and other participants – often leading to injury of varying degrees.

    Air Peace acquired four Boeing 777 for its long-haul operations to destinations including Dubai, Sharjah, London, Houston, Guangzhou-China, Mumbai and Johannesburg.

     

     

  • Air Peace scales safety test for B777 operations

    Air Peace has  scaled a major regulatory hurdle in its path to international flight services, its spokesman, Chris Iwarah has disclosed.

    Iwarah said the airline at the weekend successfully performed the partial emergency evacuation and ditching demonstrations as part of the safety tests for the operation of its Boeing 777 aircraft.

    In aviation par lance, emergency aircraft evacuation refers to an exercise aimed at evacuating those on an aircraft when an emergency occurs on the ground, in water or mid-flight.

    He said the ditching demonstration, however, simulates a planned water landing and evaluates the airline’s ability to handle such emergency.

    An emergency evacuation demonstration is mostly required when an airline proposes operating a specific aircraft type and model entering into its service for the first time.

    He said once the signal for is given, the aircraft’s emergency evacuation equipment and 50 percent of the required emergency exits and slides must be ready for use in a maximum of 15 seconds.

    Iwarah said though simulated, evacuation drills are a risky operation for crew and other participants – often leading to injury of varying degrees.

    Air Peace recently acquired four Boeing 777 for its long-haul operations to destinations including Dubai, Sharjah, London, Houston, Guangzhou-China, Mumbai and Johannesburg. The airline made history as the first Nigerian carrier to acquire and register the Boeing 777 in the country.

    Read Also: Air Peace takes delivery of 6th Embraer jet

    Being the first time the Boeing 777 was entering its service, Air Peace , Iwarah said was mandated by aviation regulations to demonstrate its capacity to handle emergency evacuation and ditching under the close supervision of officials of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) comprising Group Capt. E.C Agu, Capt. Ejike Wosu, Mr. Augustine Eboigbe, Mr. Rabiu Sharif, Mohammed Auwal, Hajara Yahaya, Msooityo Malu, Prewari Yemaye, Mrs. Famous-Cole, Efunfela Ojekale, Maria Udor, Bosede Tagarino, Kunle Martins and Basira Lami.

    Air Peace emergency demonstrators in the flight deck , he said included Capt Simon Donoghue, Capt Ndubisi Ekwempu, First Officer Femi Aderomu and First Officer Ahmed Abdullahi. Members of the Cabin Crew comprised Pauline Aiya-Obaze,

    Others were: Shittu Kamoru, Samuel Mayowa Jnr, Olowolade Ademola, Valentine Nkwocha, George Opakirite, Nana De-Man, Esther Ogedengbe, Doherty Ayotunde, Nwachi Tole, Tella Toyosi, Nicholas Williams, Kingsley Eloka, Mariapieta Ukonze, Joy Nwagbologu and Tekla Ezewusi.

    Once the signal for the exercise to commence was given, the crew set out to work, deploying the four slides of the eight-exit Boeing 777 aircraft within 10.5 seconds – 4.5 seconds ahead of the maximum time allowed. They drew applause for their display of efficiency.

    Assessing the exercise which took place at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos from about 5pm to 10 pm on Thursday, leader of the NCAA team of inspectors, Capt. Agu said they were satisfied with the partial evacuation and ditching demonstrations staged by Air Peace.

    He congratulated the carrier on the success of the exercise, urging it not to rest on its oars in sustaining its high safety standards.

    Commenting on the assessment, Air Peace Cabin Crew Manager, Florence Opia and Quality Manager, Mr. Patrick Achurefe commended the NCAA team for going about the exercise in a diligent manner.

    They assured that the carrier would continue to priotise safety and compliance with aviation regulations in its preparations for the launch of its long-haul flights to Dubai, Sharjah, London, Houston, Guangzhou-China, Mumbai and Johannesburg.

    With the evacuation exercise off the way, Air Peace said it was now set for the next stage of regulatory requirements for the induction of its B777 aircraft into service and commencement of its international flights.

    The airline confirmed that it would soon operate demonstration flights with its B777 aircraft to Port Harcourt, Kano, Freetown, Dakar, Johannesburg and Sharjah.

     

  • Domestic Flights: Travellers decry high price of air tickets

    Travellers on the domestic routes were on Friday hit with a drastic increase of air tickets, due to shortage of flights by local airlines. Shortage of flights is due to the reduction in number of aircrafts being used by domestic airlines in recent weeks.

    Some of the airlines said their aircraft were currently out of the country for maintenance purposes, while others claim that their planes were unavailable due to “operational reasons’’.

    However, the few operational airlines, as well as travel agents, have taken advantage of the situation to jack up their air fares, to the chagrin of intending travellers.

    The airlines operating at the General Aviation Terminal (GAT) include: Arik Air, Air Peace, Overland Airways, Dana Air, Max Air, Medview Airlines, Arik Air (PH).Others are; Aero Contractors and Azman Air, which operate at the Murtala Muhammed Airport 2 (MMA2).

    A NAN aviation correspondent, who monitored the situation at both domestic terminals, observed that some travellers were stranded, due to their inability to get seats on the available flights.

    Also, the counters of Arik Air, Azman Air, Dana Air, Max Air, Aero and Air Peace witnessed a large number of passengers trying to book and pay ahead, in order to secure their seats.

    Air Peace Economy Class one way ticket on the Lagos-Abuja route, was being sold for N32, 700, as against N25, 500 before the flight shortage.

    Similarly, a Lagos-Port Harcourt one way ticket was selling for N42, 700 as against the previous fare of N35, 000, while Lagos-Uyo one way, was sold for N42, 700 as against N30, 700.

    An Arik Air economy class one way ticket from Lagos-Abuja was sold for N27, 548 as against N22, 560, while Lagos-Port Harcourt one way, was sold for N39, 000, as against previous fare of N30, 700.

     

    Read Also: Fuel scarcity: More domestic airlines cancel flights

     

    Mr Chris Iwarah, Air Peace Corporate Communications Manager, told NAN that five of the airline’s aircraft were pulled out of service for C-Checks abroad.

    Iwarah, in a statement, said the carrier was concerned about reports of shortage of scheduled flights across the country. He said that the airline was ready to do everything within its capacity to ease the pain of air travellers.

    “We urge members of the flying public not to entertain any fear. Most of our aircraft that went for C-Check will soon begin to return, to join our operations.

    “We are soon going to schedule more flights and deploy more aircraft across our domestic routes.“We have also made plans to cater to the upsurge expected during the Yuletide.

    “A lot of flights would be scheduled from around Dec. 17, to seamlessly take those travelling for Christmas and the New Year to their destinations.

    “As an airline, we prioritize safety and place a premium on the lives of our valued passengers and crew.

    “We have undertaken comprehensive maintenance of most of our aircraft to ensure their readiness for our end-of-year operations,’’ he said.

    On his part, Mr Kingsley Ezenwa, Media and Communications Manager, Dana Air, told NAN that the airline was currently undergoing re-certification by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

    “We are currently undergoing re-certification which hopefully will be concluded in two days. As soon as we conclude, more flights will be available,’’ he said.

    Two travellers, Mr Peter Olaoye and Mr Ijeomah Ikechukwu, expressed concern over the shortage of flights. They urged the airlines to find lasting solutions to the problem, especially as the festive period was approaching.

    (NAN)

  • Air Peace takes delivery of sixth Embraer jet

    Air Peace has received the last of its  six 50-seater Embraer 145 regional  jets it recently acquired. The airline  assured  that its vision of providing seamless flight services on the domestic, regional and international routes was running according to plan.

    The aircraft marked 5N-BUW and named Virginia Omeogo Adegoke (Nee Onyema) touched down at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos at about 4 a.m. (LT) on Tuesday.

    Air Peace took delivery of its 5th Embraer Rejional Jet  145 weeks ago on Sunday,October 14

    .A statement issued by the carrier’s Corporate Communications Manager, Mr. Chris Iwarah said the airline’s goal of guaranteeing seamless flight operations as well as connecting unserved and underserved routes was fast being fulfilled.

    .“We are delighted to announce the arrival of our sixth 50-seater Embraer 145 jet at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos at about 4 a.m. on Tuesday, November 27 , 2018. The arrival of the aircraft has further strengthened our resolve to provide seamless flight services on the domestic, regional and international routes as well as extend the reach of our exceptional operations to many more unserved and underserved destinations under our no-city-left-behind project.

    .“Upon the arrival of our first Embraer 145 aircraft in February this year, we set another record in Nigeria’s aviation industry with the establishment of a subsidiary, Air Peace Hopper to organise our plan to democratize air transport and deliver exceptional flight services to unserved and underserved cities in Nigeria and the West Coast of Africa. Since we started this project, the pieces of feedback have been quite encouraging.

    Although there have been challenges, including delays mostly on account of circumstances bordering on safety and other factors beyond our control, we have kept reviewing our schedules and restrategising to ensure the best of flight services for our teeming loyal customers.

    This has greatly paid off and the delays reduced to the barest minimum.

    “We are in aviation to create massive job opportunities, connect people and business and leisure destinations, help in growing the economies of Nigeria and other nations we operate in and make our dear nation proud overall in the global aviation community,”Air Peace said.

     

     

  • Flight shortage: Air Peace pledges to rescue travelers with more flights

    Air Peace on Thursday urged members of the flying public not to panic over the shortage of scheduled flights on domestic routes, assuring that it would soon deploy more aircraft to service destinations currently experiencing air travel difficulties.
    A statement issued by Air Peace Corporate Communications Manager, Mr. Chris Iwarah said the carrier was concerned about reports of shortage of scheduled flights across the country and was ready to do everything within its capacity to ease the pain of air travelers.
    The airline confirmed that the nation had been facing air travel difficulties since it reviewed its flight schedule downward on account of five of its aircraft it pulled out of service and sent abroad for C-check.
    “In the last few weeks, we have been inundated with demands for flights by members of the flying public who wish to travel but could not secure seats as almost all our flights on major domestic routes are fully booked. We are genuinely concerned about the plight of the travelling public and sincerely empathize with them.
    “The situation became dire after we recently pulled out five of our aircraft from service for maintenance abroad and had to necessarily review our flight schedule downward to avoid delaying our valued customers. A check-on our reservation platform indicates that almost all our flights are fully booked till the end of the year.

    Read Also: Air Peace resumes Kaduna flights

    “We, however, are aware of the role we play in ensuring seamless air travel in Nigeria and are not going to let down our dear country and members of the flying public now that they need us the most. We urge members of the flying public not to entertain any fear. Beginning from Sunday, most of our aircraft that went for C-check will start to return to join our operations. We are soon going to schedule more flights and deploy more aircraft across our domestic routes.
    “We have also made plans to cater to the upsurge expected during the Yuletide. A lot of flights would be scheduled from around December 17, 2018 to seamlessly take those travelling for Christmas and the New Year to their destinations. As an airline that prioritizes safety and places a premium on the lives of our valued guests and crew, we have undertaken comprehensive maintenance of most of our aircraft to ensure their readiness for our end-of-year operations.
     ” This is the least we can do for 1 our esteemed customers and nation for their support for us. We will do everything within our capacity to rise to the challenge of air travel currently facing our nation and deliver exceptional service that is sure to leave the flying public truly comfortable, proud and satisfied,” Air Peace assured.

  • Air Peace takes delivery of 6th Embraer jet

    Nigerian carrier, Air Peace has received the last of the six 50-seater Embraer 145 jets it recently acquired to boost its vision of providing seamless flight services on the domestic, regional and international routes.

     

    The airline made the announcement in a statement issued by its Corporate Communications Manager, Mr Chris Iwarah on Wednesday, in Lagos.

    Iwarah said the aircraft marked 5N-BUW and named Virginia Omeogo Adegoke (Nee Onyema), touched down at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos at about 4am on Tuesday.

     

    He said the airline’s goal of guaranteeing seamless flight operations as well as connecting unserved and underserved routes was fast being fulfilled.

    “We are delighted to announce the arrival of our sixth 50-seater Embraer 145 jet at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos at about 4am on Tuesday.

     

    “The arrival of the aircraft has further strengthened our resolve to provide seamless flight services on the domestic, regional and international routes.

    “It will as also extend the reach of our exceptional operations to many more unserved and underserved destinations under our no-city-left-behind project,” Iwarah said.

     

    Read Also: Air Peace receives fifth Embraer regional jet

     

    He said the airline had in February 2018 established a subsidiary, Air Peace Hopper, towards actualising this objective.

    Iwarah said “Since we started this project, the pieces of feedback have been quite encouraging.

     

    “There have been challenges, including delays mostly on account of circumstances bordering on safety and other factors beyond our control.

    “However, we have kept reviewing our schedules and restrategising to ensure the best of flight services for our teeming loyal customers. This has greatly paid off and the delays reduced to the barest minimum.”

     

    According to him, Air Peace was in aviation to create massive job opportunities, connect people and business and leisure destinations and help in growing the economies of Nigeria and other nations.

     

    He noted that the addition of more aircraft to the airline’s fleet would deepen its capacity for travelers during the yuletide.

     

    NAN

     

  • Air Peace boss tasks cabin crew members on customer service

    Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Mr. Allen Onyema has urged cabin crew members to deepen their customer service and crisis management skills to forge a better relationship between airlines and their passengers.

    Onyema made the call at the 2nd Cabin Crew Fair 2018 organised by MamaJ Aviation Consult Limited at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Annex, Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos.

    In a related development, the Air Peace boss and the carrier’s Cabin Services Manager, Florence Opia has been honoured with the Outstanding Aviation Personality of the Year and the Cabin Crew Excellence awards respectively.

    Delivering the keynote address at Cabin Crew Fair with the theme: “Raising the Bar of the Cabin Crew Profession,” Onyema commended Nigerian cabin crew members for acquitting themselves creditably in their primary roles of ensuring the safety, security and comfort of air travellers.

    He, however, urged Nigerian cabin crew members to do much more in delivering top-notch customer service throughout their flights and learn to de-escalate crises before they degenerate.

    Read Also: Air Peace resumes Kaduna flights

    The Air Peace chairman, who was represented by the airline’s Corporate Communications Manager, Mr. Chris Iwarah, said cabin crew members were a critical link between an airline and its passengers.

    Where cabin crew members failed to provide good customer service, he warned, an airline would be negatively impacted no matter the quality of its flight services.

    He urged Nigerian cabin crew members to be proud of their origin and project the beautiful cultures of their country in everything they do, including their communication style.

    Onyema confirmed that Air Peace had provided employment for almost 300 cabin crew members, pledging to continue to provide opportunities for Nigerians to exhibit their skills and make the nation proud in the global aviation industry.

    He commended the Chief Executive Officer of MamaJ Aviation Consult Limited, Joy Ogbebo for working tirelessly to promote Nigerian cabin crew members and deepen standards in the profession in the country. Onyema urged cabin crew members to emulate the fine standards represented by Ogbebo.

    Meanwhile, Onyema and Air Peace Cabin Services Manager, Florence Opia have received MamaJ Aviation Consult Limited’s Outstanding Aviation Personality of the Year and Cabin Crew Excellence awards respectively.

    Chief Executive Officer of MamaJ Aviation Consult Limited, Joy Ogbebo said Onyema was honoured for immensely supporting the “development of the cabin crew profession and provision of job opportunities to the highest number of cabin crew members in the industry.”

    Opia, she added, was recognised for her role in “management training monitoring, mentoring and motivation of cabin crew members to meet safety standards and deliver excellent service

  • Air Peace resumes Kaduna flights

    Air Peace on Monday resumed its Kaduna flight services, pledging that it would continue to observe high operational standards to ensure the safety of its customers, crew and other categories of staff.

    Air Peace suspended its Lagos-Kaduna-Lagos flights on October 21, saying the action was to safeguard the lives of its customers and staff.

    The development was sequel to a 24-hour curfew imposed by Kaduna State government to address security threats in the state.

    A statement signed by the carrier’s Corporate Communications Manager, Mr. Chris Iwarah said the airline restored its Kaduna flights based on the state government’s assurances that the security situation had improved.

    The airline empathized with members of the flying public who were affected by the suspension of its flights into and out of Kaduna, commending them for their cooperation and understanding while the development lasted.

    In a related development, Air Peace said it would continue to sustain its observance of strict safety standards in its flight operations to safeguard the lives of its customers, crew and other staff.

    Read Also: Air Peace receives fifth Embraer regional jet

    The carrier said it had a reputation for grounding its aircraft for simple technical and weather challenges because of the premium it placed on the lives of its customers and staff, saying its pilots were mandated by its standard operating procedure to return to base or divert whenever they were not sure there was a perfect weather condition or there was a technical challenge with the operating aircraft.

    “We are reputed for running a very strict safety and maintenance programme and have sustained this in the four years of our flight operations. In the last four years of our flight services, our operations have been subjected to the scrutiny of reputable corporate and regulatory organisations and we acquitted ourselves creditably. Just within two years of our operations, we secured our International Air Transport Association Organisational Safety Audit (IOSA) certificate. Our IOSA certificate was renewed in April 2018 after our operations were subjected to a tougher scrutiny by IATA.

    “We quite understand that aircraft are machines and as such can malfunction without warning. Besides, weather is a recurring issue in aviation all over the world. When there is a technical or weather challenge, our practice is never to take any risk however slight the situation may be. We have mandated our pilots to always err on the side of safety and they have continued to display professional discipline in this regard. When our pilots have any doubt with regard to technical or weather issues, the practice is to return to base or divert to the closest airport for checks or to wait till it is safe to operate the flight.

    “Although our pro-safety approach comes with a huge financial burden, we are pleased that its guarantees the lives of our valued guests, crew and other members of the Air Peace family, including our chairman and directors who fly us because they are sure of the depth of maintenance we do,” Air Peace said.

  • Air Peace resumes Kaduna flights

    Air Peace on Monday resumed its Kaduna flight services, pledging that it would continue to observe high operational standards to ensure the safety of its customers, crew and other categories of staff.

    Air Peace suspended its Lagos-Kaduna-Lagos flights on October 21, saying the action was to safeguard the lives of its customers and staff.

    The development was sequel to a 24-hour curfew imposed by Kaduna State government to address security threats in the state.

    A statement signed by the carrier’s Corporate Communications Manager, Mr. Chris Iwarah said the airline restored its Kaduna flights based on the state government’s assurances that the security situation had improved.

    The airline empathised with members of the flying public who were affected by the suspension of its flights into and out of Kaduna, commending them for their cooperation and understanding while the development lasted.

    In a related development, Air Peace said it would continue to sustain its observance of strict safety standards in its flight operations to safeguard the lives of its customers, crew and other staff.

    The carrier said it had a reputation for grounding its aircraft for simple technical and weather challenges because of the premium it placed on the lives of its customers and staff, saying its pilots were mandated by its standard operating procedure to return to base or divert whenever they were not sure there was a perfect weather condition or there was a technical challenge with the operating aircraft.

    “We are reputed for running a very strict safety and maintenance programme and have sustained this in the four years of our flight operations. In the last four years of our flight services, our operations have been subjected to the scrutiny of reputable corporate and regulatory organisations and we acquitted ourselves creditably. Just within two years of our operations, we secured our International Air Transport Association Organisational Safety Audit (IOSA) certificate. Our IOSA certificate was renewed in April 2018 after our operations were subjected to a tougher scrutiny by IATA.

    Read Also: Minimum wage: Bagudu appeals to NLC to shelve strike

    “We quite understand that aircraft are machines and as such can malfunction without warning. Besides, weather is a recurring issue in aviation all over the world. When there is a technical or weather challenge, our practice is never to take any risk however slight the situation may be. We have mandated our pilots to always err on the side of safety and they have continued to display professional discipline in this regard. When our pilots have any doubt with regard to technical or weather issues, the practice is to return to base or divert to the closest airport for checks or to wait till it is safe to operate the flight.

    “Although our pro-safety approach comes with a huge financial burden, we are pleased that its guarantees the lives of our valued guests, crew and other members of the Air Peace family, including our chairman and directors who fly us because they are sure of the depth of maintenance we do,” Air Peace said.