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Tag: Air Peace

  • FCCPC denies claims of halting investigations into Air Peace, other sectors

    FCCPC denies claims of halting investigations into Air Peace, other sectors

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has refuted a false story attributed to the commission, claiming that the federal government is no longer investigating Air Peace, banks, telecommunications, and the aviation sector. 

    In a statement signed by the Director of Corporate Affairs, Ondaje Ijagwu, the FCCPC categorically denied the story titled “FG not investigating Air Peace – FCCPC,” which has been circulating on some media platforms, particularly online.

    The statement read: “The referenced story, which seems syndicated and sponsored, did not emanate from the FCCPC, and we advise the public to disregard it in its entirety. The FCCPC stands firmly by its official release dated December 1, 2024, which announced inquiries into widespread consumer complaints in the banking, telecommunications, and aviation sectors. 

    “As stated, Air Peace is one of the entities being engaged to address allegations of exploitative ticket pricing, including significant price hikes for bookings on specific domestic routes. These inquiries, being conducted under the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) 2018, are focused on addressing poor service delivery, exploitative practices, and potential consumer rights violations.”

    He emphasised that these inquiries are structured engagements aimed at ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, enhancing transparency, and protecting consumer interests. 

    The FCCPC reaffirmed that the inquiry into Air Peace, which began as scheduled on December 3, 2024, is ongoing.

    Ijagwu mentioned that the Commission is currently reviewing information and responses provided by Air Peace and other entities under inquiry. 

    He noted that the appropriate determinations will be made, and necessary actions will be taken to address any identified violations. 

    He urged the public to rely solely on verified communications from the FCCPC.

  • Safety: Air Peace, Boeing, Cranfield varsity partner

    Safety: Air Peace, Boeing, Cranfield varsity partner

    Air Peace has collaborated with The Boeing Company and Cranfield University in the UK leveraging the world-class expertise, large-scale facilities and unrivalled industry partnerships of both organisations to fortify its safety culture and operational excellence.

    Working under the aegis of Boeing Global Learning Institute (BGLI), and themed: “Advanced Leadership in Safety Excellence”,   the leading global aerospace company,  spokesman of the airline , Dr. Ejike Ndiulo said  brought together all the executives, post holders and management leadership of the various departments of the carrier  in a five-day in-person classroom training.

    The partnership between Air Peace and Boeing, Ndiulo said, was  borne out of a shared commitment to shaping the future of aviation leadership.

    According to Harry Magui, Senior Organisational Consultant and Programme Manager, Boeing Global Learning Institute, “the Boeing company has long recognised the importance of supporting continuous learning of our aviation partners.

    To that end, the Boeing Global Learning Institute designs and delivers numerous learning programmes to both emerging and established leaders of our partners.

    Alluding to the great work Air Peace has done in making safety a pre-condition rather than just priority, Magui said: “We’re here to partner with our great partner, Air Peace who have been phenomenal in advancing the Aviation Industry in Nigeria, so we are here to support them to harness more opportunities in the future with the Advanced Leadership in Safety Excellence Training for all its top leadership within the organization.”

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    For Prof Graham Braithwaite, Head of Aerospace, Cranfield University, “This collaboration ensured that the training directly address the challenges Air Peace faces, culminating in real-world capstone projects that would have a lasting impact.”

    Reinforcing Prof. Braithwaite’s position, Dr. Fabian Steinmann, Lecturer, Organisational Resilience and Change, Cranfield School of Management, who was excited at the great progress Air Peace made over the years said that they are happy to learn and share knowledge and find ways to strengthen the system, making it robust and flexible to adapt to the ever-changing environment.

    “Safety is at the heart of everything we do at Cranfield so the privilege we have is that we travelled around the world, picked up the good practices, learned more about the culture and the operation in various countries so we’re here to facilitate that exchange with Nigeria and Air Peace to see how we share some of the good practices and lessons learned from all around the world and translate them into their operation.”

    The programme’s curriculum was carefully crafted to blend theoretical insights with hands-on practical applications. In the first phase, discussions led by Prof. Braithwaite and Dr. Steinmann set the stage by aligning Air Peace leadership’s operational insights with the program’s objectives.

    Phase two provided participants with direct access to experts from Cranfield University and Boeing, equipping them with advanced tools and strategies for safety leadership. Beyond the classroom, participants were empowered to implement their learnings within their teams, creating a ripple effect that would strengthen safety systems across the organization.

    “This class is quite essential and we’re lucky to have our resource persons impact knowledge on us. It is a well-structured training and especially for Air Peace because of where we are now and where we hope to go in the future. The whole essence of this class is to reinforce what we know before and be exposed to other avenues of learning. The aviation industry is ever-changing and dynamic, and Air Peace has to be abreast of such developments,” says Captain Godfrey Ogbogu, Safety Manager at Air Peace.

    He noted that Air Peace’s commitment to safety and operational excellence has never been more evident, adding that the partnership has not only cultivated a deeper understanding of safety leadership but also laid the groundwork for a more resilient, accountable, and innovative workforce, poised to tackle the evolving challenges of the aviation industry.

    The programme emphasized accountability through two follow-up review sessions, ensuring that participants continued to develop their leadership skills and advance their safety projects. This dual focus on personal leadership growth and organizational impact ensured that safety remained at the forefront of Air Peace’s operational strategy.

  • Air Peace partners Boeing, Cranfield varsity to boost operational safety

    Air Peace partners Boeing, Cranfield varsity to boost operational safety

    Air Peace has partnered with The Boeing Company and Cranfield University in the UK to strengthen its safety culture and operational efficiency through world-class expertise and resources. 

    Under the auspices of the Boeing Global Learning Institute (BGLI), the partnership hosted a five-day in-person classroom training titled: “Advanced Leadership in Safety Excellence.”

    The programme brought together executives, department heads, and management leaders from Air Peace to foster leadership skills in safety and operational management, according to the airline’s spokesman, Dr Ejike Ndiulo. 

    Dr. Ndiulo highlighted that the collaboration stems from a shared commitment between Air Peace and Boeing to shape the future of aviation leadership. 

    Harry Magui, Senior Organizational Consultant and Programme Manager at BGLI emphasised Boeing’s dedication to supporting continuous learning for aviation partners.

    He stated: “The Boeing Global Learning Institute designs and delivers numerous programs tailored to the needs of both emerging and established leaders among our partners.” 

    This initiative underscores Air Peace’s commitment to adopting global best practices in aviation safety and leadership development.

    Alluding to the great work Air Peace has done in making safety a pre-condition rather than just a priority, Magui said: “We’re here to partner with our great partner, Air Peace who have been phenomenal in advancing the Aviation Industry in Nigeria, so we are here to support them to harness more opportunities in the future with the Advanced Leadership in Safety Excellence Training for all its top leadership within the organization.”

    For Prof Graham Braithwaite, Head of Aerospace, Cranfield University, “This collaboration ensured that the training directly addresses the challenges Air Peace faces, culminating in real-world capstone projects that would have a lasting impact.”

    Read Also: Air Peace: Bird strike forced our aircraft’s return to ramp

    Reinforcing Prof. Braithwaite’s position, Dr. Fabian Steinmann, Lecturer, Organisational Resilience and Change, Cranfield School of Management, who was excited at the great progress Air Peace made over the years said that they are happy to learn and share knowledge and find ways to strengthen the system, making it robust and flexible to adapt to the ever-changing environment.

    “Safety is at the heart of everything we do at Cranfield so the privilege we have is that we travelled around the world, picked up the good practices, learned more about the culture and the operation in various countries so we’re here to facilitate that exchange with Nigeria and Air Peace to see how we share some of the good practices and lessons learned from all around the world and translate them into their operation.”

    The programme’s curriculum was carefully crafted to blend theoretical insights with hands-on practical applications. In the first phase, discussions led by Prof. Braithwaite and Dr. Steinmann set the stage by aligning Air Peace leadership’s operational insights with the program’s objectives.

    Phase two provided participants with direct access to experts from Cranfield University and Boeing, equipping them with advanced tools and strategies for safety leadership. Beyond the classroom, participants were empowered to implement their learnings within their teams, creating a ripple effect that would strengthen safety systems across the organization.

    “This class is quite essential and we’re lucky to have our resource persons impact knowledge on us. It is a well-structured training and especially for Air Peace because of where we are now and where we hope to go in the future. The whole essence of this class is to reinforce what we know before and be exposed to other avenues of learning. The aviation industry is ever-changing and dynamic, and Air Peace has to be abreast of such developments,” says Captain Godfrey Ogbogu, Safety Manager at Air Peace.

    He noted that Air Peace’s commitment to safety and operational excellence has never been more evident, adding that the partnership has not only cultivated a deeper understanding of safety leadership but also laid the groundwork for a more resilient, accountable, and innovative workforce, poised to tackle the evolving challenges of the aviation industry.

    The programme emphasised accountability through two follow-up review sessions, ensuring that participants continued to develop their leadership skills and advance their safety projects. This dual focus on personal leadership growth and organizational impact ensured that safety remained at the forefront of Air Peace’s operational strategy.

  • Air Peace: Bird strike forced our aircraft’s return to ramp

    Air Peace: Bird strike forced our aircraft’s return to ramp

    Air Peace yesterday said one of its aircraft on the Abuja to Lagos 06.30 flight was forced to return to the aerodrome after it experienced a bird strike.

    A statement by the airline’s Head of Corporate Communications, Dr. Ejike Ndiulo, said following the incident, the carrier had to escalate a safety measure, prompting a ramp return, where all passengers disembarked normally.

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    The statement reads: “We wish to inform our esteemed passengers that our Abuja-Lagos 06:30 flight experienced a bird strike before take-off, prompting a ramp return as a safety measure. All passengers disembarked normally.

    “We have deployed a replacement aircraft for the affected flight in order to minimise disruptions, thus ensuring that passengers continue their journeys promptly.

    “We appeal for the understanding of our valued passengers impacted by this development, as well as those on other flights that may experience delays.”

  • Bird strike disrupts Air Peace Lagos-bound flight in Abuja

    Bird strike disrupts Air Peace Lagos-bound flight in Abuja

    An Air Peace Lagos-bound flight was disrupted by a bird strike shortly before takeoff in Abuja on Thursday.

    The bird strike prompted a ramp return ensuring the safety of passengers onboard.

    A bird strike is a collision between a bird and an aircraft in flight or on a takeoff or landing roll.

    According to a statement by Ejike Ndiulo, Air Peace’s head of corporate communications, the bird strike occurred at 6:30 a.m., and all passengers disembarked normally.

    Read Also: Fed Govt drums support for Air Peace, others

    The statement reads: “We wish to inform our esteemed passengers that our Abuja-Lagos 06:30 flight experienced a bird strike before take-off, prompting a ramp return as a safety measure. All passengers disembarked normally,” the airline said.

    “We wish to inform our esteemed passengers that our Abuja-Lagos 06:30 flight experienced a bird strike before take-off, prompting a ramp return as a safety measure. All passengers disembarked normally,” the airline said.

    “We have deployed a replacement aircraft for the affected flight in order to minimize disruptions, thus ensuring that passengers continue their journeys promptly.

    “We appeal for the understanding of our valued passengers impacted by this development, as well as those on other flights that may experience delays.

    “At Air Peace, we are committed to providing safe, comfortable, and reliable air travel for all our passengers.”

  • Fed Govt drums support for Air Peace, others

    Fed Govt drums support for Air Peace, others

    Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo has affirmed the Federal Govrnment’s strong support for Air Peace and other local airlines, stressing the airline’s remarkable growth and dedication to quality service.

    Speaking at Air Peace’s 10th anniversary celebration, Keyamo praised the airline’s success and resilience in an industry where many local carriers struggle to survive long-term.

    Keyamo highlighted Air Peace as a symbol of national pride, celebrating the airline’s ability to compete internationally while enhancing Nigeria’s reputation in global aviation.

    “Air Peace flies the Nigerian flag high,” he said, underscoring its role in strengthening the country’s presence on the world stage.

    Acknowledging the visionary leadership of Dr. Allen Onyema, Founder and CEO of Air Peace, Keyamo expressed gratitude for Onyema’s accomplishments, which he said, reflect the airline’s impact and expansion. He called on other Nigerian airlines to adopt similar, long-term strategies, noting that Air Peace’s achievements demonstrate the possibilities achievable through sound management and commitment.

    Keyamo also discussed the broader Nigerian aviation sector, referencing recent studies that show Nigeria accounts for 80 per cent of domestic air travel in Africa, with the Lagos–Abuja route being the continent’s busiest. He remarked that Air Peace is well-positioned to meet this rising demand, setting industry standards with its expansion and quality.

    Read Also: Minister outlines plans for diaspora

    In a forward-looking initiative, Keyamo announced that leading aircraft financiers and lessors have invited him and Nigerian airline operators to a high-level meeting in January, aiming to secure support and financing for local airlines, which will further enhance Nigeria’s global aviation standing.

    Assuring stakeholders of the government’s dedication, Keyamo restated the federal government’s commitment to ongoing reforms that support local carriers.

     He urged Nigerian airlines to embrace sustainable, long-term planning, stressing government’s focus on creating a supportive environment for the nation’s aviation industry to thrive.

  • Air Peace: technical snag caused Benin-Abuja flight return

    Air Peace: technical snag caused Benin-Abuja flight return

    Air Peace yesterday said a technical snag on one of its aircraft forced the captain to initiate an air return for its Benin-Abuja flight.

    The airline’s spokesman, Dr. Ejike Nduilo, said the aircraft experienced a technical snag shortly after takeoff, prompting immediate precautionary measures to safeguard passengers on board.

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    In a statement by the airline’s Head of Corporate Communications, Dr. Nduilo read: “This is to inform the public that our 12.50 p.m Benin-Abuja flight returned to Benin due to a technical snag. The return to base was a necessary safety procedure. The aircraft landed safely in Benin and passengers disembarked normally while our maintenance team is currently troubleshooting the cause of the snag.

    “We are deploying replacement aircraft to Benin for us to minimise the disruptions and ensure passengers continue their journeys as soon as possible.

    “We appeal for the understanding of passengers affected and others whose flights will be delayed as a result of this unforeseen development.”

  • ‘Why Air Peace is yet to secure Heathrow slot’

    ‘Why Air Peace is yet to secure Heathrow slot’

    The United Kingdom has given reasons why Nigerian carrier Air Peace could not secure a slot to operate into London Heathrow through the window of the slot allocation system.

    Investigation revealed that Air Peace sent late requests for slots for the Summer 2024 season and the Winter 2024/2025 season.

    Besides, the airline’s requests were received after the slot coordination process had concluded for each season.

    The UK authorities said carriers can ensure they are in the best position to receive any available slots by following the correct processes.

    But, the UK authorities said it could interface with Nigerian authorities for further discussions at the upcoming International Civil Aviation Negotiations event this month.

    According to the United Kingdom Government, all foreign and domestic airlines seeking slots at coordinated airports in the UK are required to apply to the independent slot coordinator, Airports Coordination Limited (ACL).

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    The government said  ACL,  allocates slots independently of the UK Government, using globally recognised guidelines and processes including the Worldwide Airport Slot Guidelines.

    The government said  the ACL is legally required to act in a neutral, transparent and non-discriminatory way that supports a competitive, independent market.

    In a letter to the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, his British counterpart, Secretary for Transport  Rt. Hon. Louise Haigh , said the  UK Government does not have any power to intervene in the slot allocation process of this body or to direct the coordinator on the allocation of specific slots.

    He said the authorities will continue to welcome all carriers to the UK to support a competitive independent market , but , however, noted that  allocation of slots, however, remains a matter for airlines to discuss with ACL.

    The letter partly reads: “Thank you for your letter dated 1 August 2024 about the slot allocation system in the United Kingdom, received through the British High Commission in Abuja.

    “The  UK Government welcomes increased connectivity between Nigeria and the UK, including the start of Air Peace operations to London, from Lagos, earlier this year. The UK Government is always keen to see increased competition in international air transport, which delivers more choice for British and Nigerian citizens and businesses.

    “All foreign and domestic airlines seeking slots at coordinated airports in the UK are required to apply to the independent slot coordinator, Airports Coordination Limited (ACL), which allocates slots independently of the UK Government, using globally recognised guidelines and processes including the Worldwide Airport Slot Guidelines.

    “ ACL is legally required to act in a neutral, transparent and non-discriminatory way that supports a competitive, independent market.”

    “The UK Government does not have any power to intervene in the slot allocation process of this body or to direct the coordinator on the allocation of specific

    slots. We will continue to welcome all carriers to the UK and to support a competitive independent market – the allocation of slots, however, remains a matter for airlines to discuss with ACL.

    “ I am aware that your officials received a detailed briefing from the UK Department for Transport in January 2024 – the UK’s system for the allocation slots has not altered substantially since then. London’s airports, especially Heathrow continues to be capacity-constrained with very few new slots available to be allocated to carriers.

    “As you may be aware, Heathrow Airport is constrained by runway capacity and an Air Traffic Movement limit which places downward pressure on the number of slots available in any operating season. For example, for the Summer 2024 season, there were a total of 290,580 slots available; given the capacity

    constraints, historic rights, and the growth ambitions of all carriers, the number of slots requested reached 319,721.

    “ This means that carriers had unfulfilled requests for 29,141 slots, which were placed on to a waitlist to potentially receive slots returned to the pool.

    Gatwick Airport is the second busiest airport in the UK, with many connections to Europe, Asia, and North America.

    “ The airport benefits from a direct, mainline rail connection to the centre of London with connection times comparable to other London airports. Several carriers, from a range of nations, have developed substantial and successful operations to London at Gatwick Airport.

    “The Department understands the position this puts new entrant carriers in. ACL advise that carriers have three options in this scenario: join the waitlist; choose to operate to another airport, as Air Peace have done; or acquire slots through slot trading and commercial arrangements with other carriers.”

    The United Kingdom authorities urged Air Peace to continue to liaise with the ACL on the process for acquiring ad- hoc and historic slots for Summer 2024.

    We encourage Air Peace to continue to liaise with ACL on the process for acquiring ad-hoc and historic slots at the UK’s coordinated airports.

    The letter reads: “ Air Peace sent late requests for slots for the Summer 2024 season and the Winter 2024/2025 season; their requests were received after the slot coordination process had concluded for each season. Carriers can ensure they are in the best position to receive any available slots by following the correct processes.

    “If your Ministry would like to further discuss this matter, officials from my Department will be at the upcoming International Civil Aviation Negotiations event in October 2024.

    “We consider the social, economic and political links between our two countries to be vital. They rely on a vibrant air services market, which I hope we can continue to protect by working together.

     “International connectivity is critical for the continued prosperity of our citizens and businesses, and I therefore very much appreciate your representations on behalf of Nigerian carriers.”

  • Legal team working on U.S. fresh charges, says Air Peace

    Legal team working on U.S. fresh charges, says Air Peace

    • ‘Flight operations not affected’

    Air Peace Limited has said its legal team is working on fresh charges of money laundering the United States (U.S.A.) filed against its Chairman and Founder, Allen Onyema, and the Chief of Finance and Administration, Mrs. Ejiro Eghagha.

    The U.S. accused the duo of obstructing justice in an ongoing investigation for money laundering against them.

    But the airline said its legal team had engaged the U.S authorities to ensure justice prevails.

    The airline said the legal team will  working tirelessly following  due process to reveal the truth and ensure its Chairman/ Founder and Co – defendant are exonerated.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia at the weekend released a statement accusing Onyema and Air Peace’s Chief of Administration and Finance, Ejiroghene Eghagha, of submitting false documents in a bid to thwart a federal investigation into their activities.

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    Both Onyema and Eghagha have been under scrutiny since 2019 for alleged money laundering.

     The Air Peace CEO is accused of moving over $20 million from Nigeria through U.S. bank accounts using fraudulent documents under the guise of purchasing airplanes.

    Eghagha is also facing charges of aggravated identity theft in connection with the scheme.

    U.S. Attorney in Atlanta, Georgia, Ryan Buchanan, detailed the fresh charges.

    According to Buchanan, the two defendants allegedly attempted to obstruct justice by committing additional fraudulent acts aimed at disrupting the investigation.

    But in a statement by its management, Air Peace said: “These charges levelled against our post-holders are part of an extended legal process stemming from earlier accusations of financial misdeeds that date back several years.

    “While the charges have been expanded, it is essential to emphasise that both Dr. Onyema and Mrs. Eghagha remain innocent, and these are mere allegations, and the case is still in court.

    “Our legal team is fully engaged with the matter and is working tirelessly to ensure that justice prevails. We remain confident that, through due process, the truth will be revealed, and our CEO and co-defendant will be exonerated.”

    It added: “It is important to note that Dr. Onyema and his legal team have consistently cooperated with authorities throughout this process, and Air Peace continues to operate without disruption, upholding our commitment to delivering top-notch services to our valued customers.

    “We want to reassure the public that these legal proceedings will not impact the safety, reliability, or day-to-day operations of Air Peace. The dedication and focus of our staff remain steadfast as we continue to provide you with the best aviation experience in Nigeria and beyond.

    “We thank our customers and flying public for your continued support and understanding during this time, and we remain committed to serving you with excellence and integrity.”

  • Stop attacking Air Peace boss, IYC warns detractors 

    Stop attacking Air Peace boss, IYC warns detractors 

    • …says airline, one of Nigeria’s most reliable

    The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has warned traducers of Air Peace boss, Allen Onyema, to steer clear of moves to dent his hard-earned business empire and reputation.

    The IYC in a statement on Sunday, July 21, by its spokesman, Binebai Yerin Princewill, said its attention was drawn to a negatively twisted and maliciously written publication with the sole intent to damage the rising business profile of Air Peace that is offering and providing essential services to Nigerians and the world at large. 

    The IYC said: “However, the council is aware that some persons within the Nigerian aviation industry doing the same business with Onyema are the ones sponsoring these spurious attacks on Airpeace and its boss jittery over his steadily rising business profile. 

    “IYC is handing out this warning that we will not tolerate anyone or group of persons trying to indulge in this kind of campaign of calumny.

    Read Also:  NSIB report indicts Air Peace for using aircraft with unserviceable hydraulic system

    “There will be dire consequences as ignorance will never be accepted as an excuse because Onyema is almost an Ijaw son who has maintained a close affinity with the Ijaw people. 

    “Considering the philanthropic gestures of Allen Onyema over the years in Nigeria, no right-thinking person with his right senses will come out openly to attack Airpeace which is doing a lot in the aviation industry. Airpeace is giving Nigeria a positive image globally.

    “Let this be the last time that we will be seeing this kind of publication as we will not tolerate such a desperate and deliberate move to blacklist Air Peace. It is no longer news that Airpeace is one of the best airlines in Nigeria and Africa at large. 

    “Finally, the council is aware that the newspaper after publishing the libelous, confusing, and false story, later took it down but we are warning that such falsehood must never repeat itself as the consequences will be dire.”