Victor Ezeja
Nigerian flag carrier, Air Peace, has clarified what transpired between the airline and the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority (UKCAA), stating that some media reports about the incident were false, sensational and misleading.
In a statement signed by the management, the airline said the issue about alleged safety protocol violation by the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority has been resolved.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelSome reports claimed that UKCAA reported the Air Peace to the Nigeria’s Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), over alleged violation of some aviation safety regulations.
However, reacting to the report, Air Peace said the airline had since its inaugural flight from Lagos to Gatwick in London, it has been subjected to intense scrutiny by the relevant authorities to ensure adherence to safety standards.
Prime Business Africa recalls that Air Peace commenced direct flight from Lagos to Gatwick Airport in London on 30 March 2024, after seven years the last Nigerian indigenous airline operated the route.
READ ALSO: Passengers Can Fly From Any Domestic Route In Nigeria To London – Air Peace Boss Onyema
Air Peace said the UKCAA wrote to the airline after a statutory Ramp Inspection on April 7, 2024, requesting clarification on their use of the Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) and some other concerns, to which they supplied the information and the matter was resolved.
“It is, therefore, wrong to say we do not have approval for our EFB. Air Peace received approval from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and all our Boeing 777 aircraft are certified to operate with EFBs,” the airline said in the statement.
The airline also debunked a claim that its B777 aircraft lack iPad mounts and charging ports in the flight deck saying: “All our B777 aircraft are equipped with charging ports in the cockpit, and we ensure that all our B777 aircraft have iPad mounts.”
Air Peace further clarified that other issues raised by UKCAA inspector regarding cockpit library on the B777, and the captain’s choice of runway exit after landing have been resolved.
It noted that Ramp Inspection is a normal procedure carried out by aviation authorities globally, and the UKCAA did the right thing by notifying the NCAA of the outcome of their inspection.
It, however, expressed shock that accounts of what transpired that had been resolved with UKCAA, was “exaggerated and sensationalised” in some section of the media.
Air Peace reiterated its commitment to complying with all safety procedures all in its operations.
It said: “Another issue raised by the UK CAA was the location of our cockpit library on the B777. The B777 designates two locations for storing manuals and books: one behind the captain and one under the jumpseat. During the inspection, the books were stored under the jumpseat, as it is commonly practised. We understand the inspector’s preference for the books to be placed behind the captain and have ensured this preference is accommodated for all operations going forward.
“There was also a concern about the captain’s choice of runway exit after landing. Instead of exiting at the middle runway exit, the captain, out of his professional discretion, opted to exit at the end of the runway. This may have delayed the arrival of another aircraft. We acknowledge this deviation and have addressed the matter with the captain to ensure adherence to preferred exit procedures in the future.
“Ramp Inspection is a normal procedure carried out by aviation authorities globally, and the UK CAA did the right thing by notifying the NCAA of the outcome of their inspection.
“However, we are shocked to see several media publications with exaggerated and sensationalised accounts of this matter that was closed with the authorities over a month ago. It is unprofessional for the media to publish slanted and alarmist reports to create public panic and impugn our deeply ingrained safety culture.
“Air Peace’s safety record is second to none, and we go above and beyond to comply with all established safety standards. Safety is the bedrock of our operations, and we have robust operational mechanisms to guarantee full compliance always
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
