The policies of the Federal Government has unlocked opportunities for aircraft dry leasing, Chairman of Air Peace Limited, Dr Allen Onyema disclosed yesterday.
Onyema , also highlighted the intervention brought into the aviation industry during the administration of President Bola Tinubu saying indigenous carriers can now explore opportunities for dry leasing of aircraft, a feat that was not possible about a decade ago due to blacklisting of the country by global lessors.
With the new window facilitated by the Tinubu administration with the implementation of the Cape Town Convention Practice, Onyema said Nigerian carriers can now compete with their foreign counterparts, a development he said continues to excite players in the air transport space.
He disclosed this yesterday while briefing the press at the Lagos office of the airline. He said the window for dry leasing of aircraft for local operators will not only conserve foreign exchange for the country, but will also assist in bringing about considerable reduction in air fares.
The Air Peace airline boss also commended the President Tinubu administration for assisting aviation authorities in providing equipment for birds wildlife control at airports across the country , affirming that there other interventions initiated by the government to make the operating environment for indigenous carriers more conducive.
Onyema said: “President Tinubu is a detrabilised leader , who listens to airline operators and other indigenous business investors on how to grow the country’s economy.
He has open ears to listen to everyone.
This is the attraction I have for him, the reason I appreciate his leadership. President Tinubu is making use of the diversity of talents, expertise to deepen governance. Tinubu is deliberate in promoting oneness and unity of the country , especially those who deploy their resources to create jobs for Nigerians .This is the reason I appreciate Tinubu, so we must support our own.
“Tinubu’s administration has brought about the ease of doing business, indigenous airlines are enjoying during his tenure, through the interventions put in place by the Ministry of Aviation. We thank the President for bringing Festus Keyamo to the aviation sector, and the administration has done well for the aviation industry. Tinubu’s administration has stepped out to assist indigenous airlines, so much so that Nigeria is beginning to have opportunities for aircraft dry leasing; this has not happened in the last ten years , when Nigeria was blacklisted . The interventions brought about by the Tinubu administration is changing the perception of the global community about Nigeria. That is the reason we will continue to support the Tinubu administration to drive the growth of air transportation in Nigeria.”
He, however , said the Federal Government could do more by providing transit facilities at airports to connect regional and international flights.
He said : “This will assist to streamline our operations to reduce check – in bottlenecks and serve as a feeder for our operations. This will boost duty free activities and generate more revenue.
Meanwhile, Air Peace has announced the commencement of Abuja to Heathrow Airport in London on Oct. 26 after receiving approval from the British authority. Onyema disclosed that the grant was as a result of the confidence the international aviation community has in the airline. He also announced that before the end of year, the airline would add Congo, Garbon and Brazzaville to its schedule.
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The airline boss assured increased fleet capacity of Boeing 777, wide bodied aircraft acquisition as a result of the dry lease financing, among other new aircraft to match the schedules.
On flight delays and cancellations, Onyema said 94 per cent were not caused by the airline but external forces.
He identified the causes as: weather, infrastructure, bird strikes, inadequate landing equipment, sunset airports, unruly passengers, animal strikes, among others.
He explained that “in the last five years, we recorded 100 bird strikes; this year alone, over 30 bird strikes, these strikes will affect other flights scheduled for that day.
“We do not cancel for the fun of it, we cancel when necessary”, he said.
Onyema noted that the airline has international validations because of its safety measures.
He also announced that the airline would restart China routes soon, as well as other regional and international routes.
He commended President Tinubu and the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for ensuring ease of doing business in the industry.
He added that “the sector had never had it so good, as Nigeria would soon take delivery of dry lease aircraft as a result of the doggedness of the minister.”
He expressed the hope that Nigerians would patronise and support the airline.