“I have been adequately and reliably briefed on the progress made thus far on this issue by the Acting Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA)”
By Ime Silas
The Federal government of Nigeria has reiterated its resolve to continue the full backing and support of AirPeace Airlines as the Nigerian flag carrier designated on the London route.
The President Bola Tinubu-led government’s position was contained in a press release dated May 22, 2024 and signed by the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN.
It would be recalled that there have been publications in a section of the Media citing some alleged safety concerns involving the operations of AirPeace, an indigenous Airline operating on the London routes.
Reacting, the Aviation Minister while acknowledging that he’d been adequately and reliably briefed on the originating matter by the Acting Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), however noted the situation had since been adequately and promptly addressed closed to the satisfaction of the UK authorities.
The Honourable Minister said “My attention has been drawn to recent media publications citing some issues allegedly relating to possible safety violations at the Gatwick Airport by Airpeace Airlines raised by Safety inspectors of the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority. We want to re-iterate that Airpeace Airlines is the Nigerian flag carrier designated on the London route and as such enjoys the full backing and support of the Nigerian Government in its operation of that route.
I have been adequately and reliably briefed on the progress made thus far on this issue by the Acting Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). I am informed that the safety issues raised had since been adequately addressed by the Management of Air Peace and promptly closed to the satisfaction of the UK authorities”.
Mr. Keyamo in the release noted further that the Nigerian government had full confidence in the continued safety of operations of all Nigerian flag carriers operating on international routes.
“I wish to state categorically that the Federal Government has full confidence in the continued safety of the operations of all Nigerian flag carriers designated on different international routes, including Air Peace and will continue to support and nudge them forward in pursuit of world class operational excellence.
For the avoidance of doubt, the Federal Government of Nigeria has put its full weight and might behind all the local airlines designated on international routes in their endeavours in prosecuting these operations and shall provide all the necessary assistance and cooperation to ensure their success. Air Peace is no exception in this regard”.