Victor EzejaMinister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has affirmed that Air Peace is a Nigerian flag carrier designated for the Lagos-London route and therefore enjoys full support and backing of the Federal Government in operating the route.
Keyamo made the clarification in a statement released on Wednesday, via his official X handle in reaction to the recent report that the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority (UKCAA) alleged that Air Peace violated safety protocol in its operation of the Lagos-London route.
Keyamo said the Acting Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), has briefed him on the matter, that safety issues raised by UK Civil Aviation Authority have since been adequately addressed by the Management of Air Peace and matter closed.
READ ALSO: Air Peace: Media Reports Of Safety Violation In UK, False
Keyamo said: “My attention has been drawn to recent media publications citing some issues allegedly relating to possible safety violations at the Gatwick Airport by Air Peace Airlines raised by Safety inspectors of the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority.
“We want to reiterate that Air Peace 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.”
The Aviation minister further stated that the Nigerian 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 would continue to support them 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,” the statement added.
Following media reports that UK Civil Aviation Authority reported Air Peace to Nigerian Civil Authority, over alleged breach of safety protocol, the airline released a statement detailing what transpired and the steps it took to address the issues raised by UKCAA, adding that the matter has been concluded.
Air Peace has been operating direct flight service from Lagos to Gatwick in London since its inaugural flight on 30 March 2024.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
