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Tag: Air Peace

  • Air Peace to resume flight operations nationwide

    Air Peace to resume flight operations nationwide

    Air Peace has said that it will resume flight operations on Friday following suspension of strike by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) workers.

    The airline’s Head of Corporate Communications, Dr Ejike Ndiulo, made the disclosure in a statement on Thursday night in Lagos.

    According to Ndiulo, Air Peace is grateful to its customers and the general public for patience, understanding and support throughout the period of the strike.

    ”Your resilience and trust in our brand mean the world to us.

    “We commend the active and decisive intervention of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo (SAN), whose leadership and commitment were pivotal in resolving the impasse and restoring normalcy within the aviation industry,” Ndiulo said.

    He noted the minister’s swift engagement with aviation stakeholders, his transparent approach and his dedication to the stability and progress of the aviation sector.

    According to him, Keyamo’s efforts not only facilitated timely resolution of the industrial dispute but also underscored his broader vision for a safer, more efficient and investor-friendly Nigerian aviation industry.

    Ndiulo reaffirmed Air Peace’s commitment to providing safe, reliable and world-class services.

    NAN reports that NIMET workers on Thursday  shelved the strike which began on April 22 following Keyamo’s intervention.

    The workers downed tools in protest of alleged  poor working conditions, including non-implementation of the 2019 Consequential Adjustment to the National Minimum Wage (affecting at least 30  staff).

    They are also demanding a 25/35 per cent salary increase, 40 per cent hardship/peculiar allowance, and  annual staff trainings.

    Keyamo had promised to find lasting solutions to the problems.

  • BREAKING: Air Peace suspends flight operations nationwide

    BREAKING: Air Peace suspends flight operations nationwide

    Air Peace Ltd. has announced the suspension of all flight operations nationwide due to the ongoing strike embarked upon by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET).

    This is contained in a statement signed by the Head of Corporate Communications, Air Peace, Dr Ejike Ndiulo, on Wednesday in Lagos.

    According to Ndiulo, the decision is necessary because NiMet is the agency responsible for issuing CNH (Current Nowcast of Hazardous Weather) reports, critical for safe landings, especially during this season of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms.

    He said without these reports from the control tower, flight safety could not be guaranteed.

    “As a safety-first airline, we have chosen to act responsibly by suspending operations until NiMet resumes full service.

    “We understand this may cause inconvenience, and we sincerely apologise. Passengers will be contacted with updates and options for rescheduling,” he said.

    The staff of NiMET on Tuesday commenced an indefinite strike over the condition of service and other demands.

  • VeryDarkMan: We’ll return trafficked underage girls from Ivory Coast – Air Peace

    VeryDarkMan: We’ll return trafficked underage girls from Ivory Coast – Air Peace

    Dr Allen Onyema, Chairman, Air Peace Ltd., has pledged to bring back Nigerian underage girls trafficked to Ivory Coast free of charge.

    In a statement by Onyema on Saturday in Lagos, he expressed concern over the recent discovery of the act by a social media activist, VeryDarkMan.

    According to Onyema, the country needs collective efforts to discourage trafficking, as it is inhumane and ungodly.

    “We should discourage trafficking of any kind. It is inhumane and callous. It is absolutely ungodly and a good example of man’s inhumanity to man.

    “We, in Air Peace, are ready to bring our fellow citizens back home free off charge.

    “Besides that, we are going to send all of them to Duchess International Hospital in Ikeja for free medical examination and treatment.”

    Onyema urged the Nigerian Embassy in Cote D’Ivoire to assemble the girls and reach out to Air Peace for their return.

    He also called the Federal Government to take charge of their education and reunite them with their families.

  • Air Peace unveils new Passenger boarding procedures

    Air Peace unveils new Passenger boarding procedures

    Air Peace has introduced new boarding procedures designed to enhance passenger experience by reducing congestion and promoting orderliness.

    The airline’s spokesperson, Dr. Ejike Ndiulo, explained that the updated boarding process would prioritize military personnel, passengers with special needs or mobility challenges, and business class passengers. This change is part of Air Peace’s commitment to providing a more seamless, convenient, and professional travel experience for all its passengers.

    Dr. Ndiulo shared that the initiative is aimed at improving service standards and creating a culture of care, respect, professionalism, and efficiency.

    Dr. Allen Onyema, the Chairman and CEO of Air Peace, also expressed that the new policy reflects the airline’s dedication to customer satisfaction, saying, “At Air Peace, we understand how important time and comfort are to our passengers. This new boarding procedure is designed to reduce congestion, enhance orderliness, and ensure a smoother start to their journeys.”

    The airline’s new arrangement also highlights its commitment to inclusive service. “By prioritizing military personnel and passengers with mobility needs, Air Peace demonstrates its respect for service and accessibility,” Dr. Onyema emphasized. He also noted that business class travelers would benefit from expedited boarding, aligning with the premium experience they expect.

    This initiative is part of a broader transformation at Air Peace, aimed at creating a refreshed service culture. “We are committed to delivering excellence at every touchpoint, from check-in to landing, and this new boarding system is just one of many improvements we are implementing,” he added.

  • Air Peace reduces London fare by N600,000

    Air Peace reduces London fare by N600,000

    Air Peace Ltd. has reduced its Nigeria-London airfare by N600,000 for all travellers emanating from Nigeria.

    This is contained in a statement signed by the airline’s Head of Corporate Communications, Dr Ejike Ndiulo, on Wednesday in Lagos.

    According to Ndiulo, the offer is in the airline’s latest promo.

    He said  that the airline’s passengers could enjoy up to N600,000 in savings when they connect London from any Nigerian city.

    Ndiulo said that the airline was also making an exclusive one free extra luggage offer.

    He said that the promo would last until March 31, with an extended travel period until April 15.

    According to Ndiulo,  the airline rewarded five lucky winners  of a raffle draw at the Silverbird Man of the Year  Awards held on Sunday in Lagos.

    He said that three winners won return economy tickets to any of Air Peace’s domestic destinations, while two won economy return tickets to London.

    He said that the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Dr Allen Onyema, emphasised the airline’s commitment to driving Nigeria’s socio-economic development through its corporate social responsibility initiatives.

  • Three passengers arrested on Air Peace London to Lagos flight

    Three passengers arrested on Air Peace London to Lagos flight

    Air Peace Ltd. has said that security operatives at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) arrested three unruly passengers aboard its London to Lagos flight for disruptive behaviours.

    This is contained in a statement issued on Thursday in Lagos by Dr Ejike Ndiulo, the Head of Corporate Communications, Air Peace.

    According to the statement, the three passengers were apprehended on Wednesday upon arrival at the Lagos airport.

    It said the apprehended passengers   endangered the safety of the flight, other passengers and crew members.

    “The incident occurred during flight when two of the individuals identified as Adedigba Adewale and Ashibogu Magnus, originally seated in Economy Class, unlawfully occupied seats in the Business Class cabin.

    “They refused multiple directives from the crew to return to their assigned seats. They bullied their way through to the business class unauthorised.

    “In spite of efforts to de-escalate the situation, the unruly passengers remained defiant, creating a tense atmosphere onboard,” the statement read.

    The statement also explained that the individuals openly consumed a bottle of rum they had brought onboard the flight while disregarding the crew’s instructions.

    According to it, the third unruly passenger, identified as Iwonze Benjamin, joined in the consumption of the rum.

    “This furthermore exacerbated their unruly conduct. Their behaviour raised security  and safety concerns among passengers and crew, prompting the captain to make repeated announcements from the cockpit.

    “Recognising the potential threat, the flight crew notified security agencies in Nigeria ahead of arrival.

    “Upon landing, law enforcement officials were on the ground to apprehend the individuals who were taken into custody for further investigations.”

    While reiterating its commitment to passenger safety and adherence to global aviation standards, the airline commended its crew for their professionalism in handling the threat to safety.

    The statement, which emphasised that the airline would not tolerate any form of disruptive behaviour, assured the public of its continuous efforts to uphold the highest levels of security and order on all flights.

    It also informed that the authorities were currently investigating the incident, “and appropriate legal action will follow.”

     

  • Air Peace faces sanction over cancelled flight

    Air Peace faces sanction over cancelled flight

    The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has threatened to sanction Air Peace for failing to refund a passenger after a cancelled flight in line with Part 19 of the NCAA Consumer Protection Regulations 2023.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at NCAA made this known on Monday while stressing that going forward, airlines that fail to pay refunds within the timeframe stipulated by the NCAA regulations will be sanctioned.

    A passenger, identified as Falayi Temitope, had lodged a complaint with the airline for a refund after his October 16th flight that was cancelled.

    Achimugu said that Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations are very clear with regards to timeframes for ticket refunds and that the NCAA expects Air Peace to make an immediate refund to the passenger as 14 days have long elapsed.

    “I have followed this case over the last few days and waited to see what action the airline would take. Part 19 of the NCAA Regulations are very clear with regards to timeframes for ticket refunds:

    “Cash purchases must be refunded immediately, and by cash. Tickets purchased by electronic transfer, mobile apps, internet banking, etc must be refunded within 14 days. Air Peace, the NCAA expects an immediate refund to this pax as 14 days have long elapsed,” he stated.

    The NCAA Director, nevertheless noted that the challenges faced by airlines are manifold and that not nearly all delays and cancellations are their fault, but that they have to shoulder the blame.

    He went further to say, however, that there are areas where airlines ought to do much better, and that paying refunds within the stipulated timeframe is one of the low hanging fruits.

    “I have spent an entire year engaging airlines, listening to their challenges, and partnering with them to give passengers a better travel experience. Most airlines have been responsive. The relationship between operators and regulator has worked better than in the past and this is good for passengers.

    “Going forward, airlines that fail to pay refunds within the timeframe stipulated by the ncaa regulations 2023 will be sanctioned.

    “This is not hot air. The Consumer Protection Department of the NCAA has done a lot to sensitise passengers and protect the business of operators. The time has come for airlines to repay the good faith and support they have gotten from the regulator.

    “Our CPOs have received instructions not to chase down airlines to comply with the regulations. Every case of non-compliance will be met with adequate sanctions.

    “Not a single airline will say that they have not been given a listening ear. The Authority has been balanced.

    “Apologies to passengers whose refunds have taken longer than necessary. It is not ideal. Personally, I am pursuing a review of the regulations to cut the timeframe to 7 days. It is doable. Nigerian passengers deserve world-class service.

    “The Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, @fkeyamo and the Ag. DGCA, Capt. Chris Najomo have been very supportive of operators, especially domestic airlines.

    “This is well-captured in the Minister’s 5-point agenda and Capt. Najomo’s 2024 Action Plan (ease of doing business).

    “This fact was affirmed by the leadership of Airline Operators of Nigeria, AON, in their recent calls for the confirmation of Capt. Najomo as DGCA.

    “It is imperative therefore, that airlines do right, if not by these two incredible public servants, then by the passengers who patronize their businesses.

    “The challenges faced by airlines are manifold. Not nearly all delays and cancellations are their fault, but they have shouldered the blame.

    “I have spoken in support of operators because, given the peculiar environment, they are doing a lot and must be supported.

    “My department’s intervention has seen airlines pay full refunds, 25% rebates, and even 50% rebates.

    “But there are areas where they ought to do much better, and paying refunds within the stipulated tineframe is one of the low hanging fruits.

    “Passengers may not always understand the back-end of things, but where it is determined that they are due a refund, it should be done seamlessly. Failure to comply with Part 19 will, henceforth, attract immediate sanctions,” Achimugu stated.

  • One-hour flight costs over N14m – Air Peace

    One-hour flight costs over N14m – Air Peace

    Air Peace Ltd. says the operating cost for a one-hour flight exceeds N14 million.

    The airline’s Chief Operating Officer (COO),  Mrs Oluwatoyin Olajide, disclosed at a news conference on Friday in Lagos.

    Olajide said that N7 million is required to purchase 4,000 litres of jet A1 (aviation fuel), which is currently sold for N1,400 per litre.

    She added that for Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance (ACMI), the airline spends about 4,000 dollars for a one-hour flight.

    According to the COO, N5 million is required for every one-hour flight, a figure significantly higher than what operators’ counterparts pay globally.

    “There are factors that define operating cost and they include aviation fuel which takes between 60 per cent to 65 per cent of the operating cost.

    “One litre of fuel is N1,400. If I have to operate a one-hour flight from here to Abuja, Port Harcourt, Owerri, I am going to be using about 4,000 litres of fuel.

    “So, on average, a one-hour flight costs N7 million on fuel alone. Also, ACMI costs 4,000 dollars for leasing planes, considering the challenges we are currently facing,” Olajide said.

    She explained that, on average, operating a one-hour flight costs N7 million, with an additional N7 million for fuel, bringing the total to N14 million.

    She noted that insurance for a one-hour flight costs an additional N5 million.

    “For financing, we pay about 30 per cent to borrow money, while foreign airlines pay around three percent. Also, Nigerian airlines pay four times more than others for spare parts,” she added.

    According to Olajide, given the operating costs of Nigerian airlines, it is not easy operating with the current airfares.

    She emphasised that a one-hour trip within Nigeria should cost no less than N500,000.

    Speaking on the recent report of fare exploitation, Olajide said that the allegation had cost the airline a major international slot.

    She also clarified that the Federal Consumer and Customer Protection Commission (FCCPC) only invited the airline for enquiry and not investigation as reported by some media.

    She said that the Chairman of the Airline, Dr Allen Onyema, honoured the invitation.

    She, however, said that FCCPC, could have directed the enquiry to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), the regulator of the airline.

    Olajide recalled the airline’s selflessness during COVID-19, Xenophobia and the evacuation of stranded Nigerians from foreign countries at no cost.

    Recall that the FCCPC had on Dec. 2 written to the airline, inviting them for an enquiry on the complaint of fare exploitation.

    The FCCPC later clarified that it was not conducting an investigation into the airline but rather an enquiry, contrary to reports circulated in the media.

  • FCCPC probes Air Peace over exploitative ticket pricing

    FCCPC probes Air Peace over exploitative ticket pricing

    The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) says its inquiry into allegations of exploitative ticket pricing by AirPeace and other entities is still ongoing.

    A notice signed by Mr Ondaje Ijagwu, the Director, Corporate Affairs of the commission in Abuja on Thursday, said the inquiry commenced on Dec. 3.

    Ijagwu was reacting to media reports which quoted the commission as saying that the Federal Government was not investigating AirPeace.

    He said that Air Peace was one of the entities being engaged to address allegations of exploitative ticket pricing, including significant price hikes for advance bookings on specific domestic routes.

    According to him, these inquiries, being conducted under the FCCPAct (FCCPA) 2018, are focused on addressing poor service delivery, exploitative practices, and potential consumer rights violations.

    Ijagwu said that the investigation was aimed at ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, improving transparency, and protecting consumer interests.

    ”The referenced story, which seems syndicated and sponsored, did not emanate from the FCCPC. We advise the public to disregard it in its entirety.

    ”The FCCPC stands firmly by its official release dated Dec. 1, which announced inquiries into widespread consumer complaints in the banking, telecommunications, and aviation sectors.

    ”The FCCPC reaffirms that the inquiry into Air Peace commenced as scheduled on Dec. 3, and remains ongoing,” he said.

    He said that the commission was currently reviewing information and responses provided by Air Peace and other entities under inquiry.

    The director said that appropriate determinations would be made, and necessary actions taken to address any identified violations.

    ”We urge the public to rely solely on verified communications from the FCCPC,” he said.

  • VIDEO: Watch Pastor Paul Enenche pray against plane crash before Air Peace’s bird strike incident

    VIDEO: Watch Pastor Paul Enenche pray against plane crash before Air Peace’s bird strike incident

    A video has surfaced on social media, showing the senior pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre in Abuja, Pastor Paul Enenche praying against plane crash.

    According to a post that accompanied the video shared via Pastor Enenche’s official X handle, the “servant of God” gave “a very precise and accurate prophetic word” at at 12:38 am before a bird strike forced Air Peace to abandon its 6:30 am scheduled flight.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Air Peace has confirmed the near-air mishap, saying the bird strike that occurred before take-off prompted a ramp return of the aircraft as a safety measure.

    The post titled “prophecy confirmation – plane crash averted” reads: “Early this morning, Thursday 14th November 2024 during the Commanding the day midnight prayer (CTDMP) at Dunamis International Gospel Centre Headquarters  Abuja, God’s Servant; Dr. Pastor Paul Enenche gave a very precise and accurate prophetic word at 12:38 am as follows:

    “I stand here by a Prophetic Mantle here tonight to CANCEL PLANE CRASH, in the name that is above every name, every agenda of the devil to cause any crash, either by bird invasion or engine failure, whatever it is, I stand anointed within the next few days, every attempt of hell to cause a crash, to cause bloodshed, it is cancelled in the name of Jesus, it is cancelled, it is cancelled, it is cancelled, it is cancelled, it is cancelled.”

    He went further to say” one major assignment of the prophetic is to interfere with the devil; it is to go in front of him, what he wants to do is blocked. I announce today that the agenda of hell is cancelled”

    “The same morning of Thursday, 14th November 2024, about 6 hours after the prophetic declaration from the Servant of God, a flight from Abuja to Lagos was abruptly aborted at the point of takeoff early Thursday morning following a bird strike on the aircraft at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.

    “Lagos-based human rights lawyer and one of the passengers aboard the aircraft wrote online to disclose the incident. He said the development threw some passengers into panic, with the attendant screaming. While taxing on the runway and just before takeoff, our flight from Abuja to Lagos scheduled for 6:30 AM today was stopped forcefully, resulting in panic and screams by some passengers.

    “The captain attributed the incident to a BIRD STRIKE. We have been deboarded to await either a replacement or repair of the aircraft.” What a prophetic accuracy! AWESOME GOD!

    “That confirmeth the word of his servant, and performeth the counsel of his messengers; that saith to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be inhabited; and to the cities of Judah, Ye shall be built, and I will raise up the decayed places thereof – Isa 44:26 KJV

    “If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to shew unto man his uprightness:  Then he is gracious unto him, and saith, Deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a ransom. Job 33:23-24.

    “To God be all the praise and Glory for this mighty deliverance and timely Intervention. Indeed, we serve an incredible God who is mindful of His people. Jesus is Lord… Hallelujah!!!”.

    Watch video below: