Tag: Air Peace
-
72hrs ultimatum: Air Peace, Kano’s monarch feud deepens
Bayero, who is the chief protocol officer for the Emir of Kano,
-
Air Peace to resume direct flights to Dubai, March 1
Nigeria’s leading airline, Air Peace has announced its readiness to resume direct scheduled flights to Dubai, United Arab Emirates on March 1.
The airline’s spokesperson, Mr Stanley Olisa, confirmed the development in a statement on Friday in Lagos.
Olisa said that the airline was also set to launch flight operations into Niamey, Niger, on Feb. 25 and in Kinshasha and Malabo in first quarter of the year.
He said that the Lagos-Dubai-Lagos flights would operate three days weekly from any of its domestic routes through its Lagos hub.
“We are happy to inform the flying public that in tandem with our commitment to provide more flight connectivity and meeting the air travel needs of Nigerians, we are restarting our UAE operations, but with Dubai as the destination, and not Sharjah.
“We abundantly appreciate the vital role played by the Nigerian government in making this possible,” Olisa said.
The spokesperson said that before the first quarter runs out, the airline would begin scheduled flights to Kinshasha, DR Congo and Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.
According to him, this is to enlarge its footprints in West Africa and offer the flying public more network options.
He said that Niamey flights would operate from Abuja and Kano on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays with the Hopper jets.
Olisa noted that the airline had been operating scheduled commercial flights into the UAE since July 2019, and would continue to scale up its service delivery to surpass the expectations of air travelers,.
The spokesperson said that this was especially with the activation of its ambitious fleet modernisation scheme and a renewed commitment to unequalled customer experience.
He added that Air Peace had also been designated by the Federal Government to fly into other international destinations such as Guangzhou-China, Delhi-India, U.K and Houston-US.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the airline leads the industry with 20 domestic routes, six regional routes and two international destinations.
It presently operates a modern fleet of 34 aircraft, including five brand new E195-E2s and five Airbus 320s.
-
UAE backtracks, increases Air Peace’s flights slots to seven per week
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has increased the number of flight slots given to Air Peace to seven per week from an initial one per week.
Dubai Civil Aviation Authority announced the slot extension in a letter to the Air Peace chairman amid an ongoing diplomatic row between Nigeria and the UAE.
It said the letter was “with regard to slot availability at DXBTerminal 1 and as a gesture of goodwill and in support of UAE and Nigeria relations, in case Air Peace wish to start their flights, slots have been blocked by Dubai Airports.”
“Relations between our two countries go a long way back and we value these relations immensely. We surely wish to facilitate easy and safe travel for the people, between our two brotherly countries.”
The aviation authority listed seven slots for Air Peace flights in the Arab country.
Nigeria’s aviation minister Hadi Sirika on Monday said the government was unaware of the alleged stoppage of Nigerians by the UAE from entering any part of the Emirates through other carriers.
But the Nigerian government on Saturday ordered that UAE-operated airlines come into the country only once a week to reciprocate the one slot given to Nigerian airline, Air Peace, saying the UAE violated bilateral air agreement.
Emirates Airline on December 10 said it was suspending its flights to and from Nigeria “until the UAE and Nigerian authorities work on a solution to the ongoing issue.”
“We stand ready to reinstate services once restrictions are lifted by the Nigerian authorities, ensuring travellers have more choice and access to trade and tourism opportunities in Dubai.”
UAE wrote to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority saying its action to limit Emirates’ flights to once weekly was unjustifiable and was “not in line with the spirit of the agreed air services arrangements between our two nations.”
-
Air Peace begins scheduled flights into Anambra
Nigeria’s leading airline, Air Peace, begins scheduled flights into Anambra on Tuesday.
Its spokesman, Mr Stanley Olisa, confirmed the development in a statement issued in Lagos on Sunday.
Olisa stated that the commencement followed approval of the Anambra International Cargo and Passenger Airport by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.
He added that the consistent route expansion by the airline was a reflection of its “no-city-left-behind’’ initiative.
Olisa stated also that the initiative had seen the airline expand its footprints both in Nigeria and beyond, while easing the transportation burden of Nigerians.
He said the airline would begin with four flights per week and that passengers could now fly directly from Lagos and Abuja into the Anambra Airport located at Umueri.
“This is great news for the people of Anambra as we are launching four flights weekly into the new airport on Tuesday.
“For a start, we shall be operating on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays, and as operations gather momentum, we shall increase frequencies to daily flights,’’ he stated.
Olisa said passengers could start booking on Air Peace’s website: www.flyairpeace.com or on its mobile app, stressing that the airline planned to connect Anambra with other cities outside Lagos and Abuja.
He noted that by the end of January 2022, the airline would have started flying Anambra-Kano-Anambra, Anambra-Ibadan-Anambra and Anambra-Port Harcourt-Anambra routes.
He added that Air Peace was unwaveringly determined to interconnect Nigeria, providing connections which facilitate seamless economic exchanges and foster unity.
Air Peace currently services 19 domestic routes, six regional routes and two international destinations.
The airline operates an increasing modern fleet of 32 aircraft, including four new Embraer 195-E2 jets and two Airbus 320s.
-
Bird strike on Lagos-bound flight from Owerri
The managment of Air Peace says its flight P47159 Owerri to Lagos on Nov. 22, had a bird strike, few minutes after take-off.
The spokesperson, Mr Stanley Olisa, said this in a statement in Lagos on Monday.
“This seriously affected the parameters of one of the engines and the Pilot-in-Command had to divert to Port-Harcourt and safely landed the aircraft while the passengers disembarked normally.
“We have dispatched a rescue team and aircraft to airlift the passengers of the affected flight.
“Air Peace is committed to the highest standards of safety and will never compromise on this,” the statement said.
-
Air Peace, AIB reacts to reports of plane crash in Kwara
The Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) and Air Peace Airline have denounced reports that an Air Peace plane crashed in Ilorin on Friday morning.
Air Peace spokesperson, Mr Stanley Olisa, described as misleading online reports claiming that the Ilorin bound B737-500 aircraft with registration number 5N-BQR from Abuja, was involved in a crash around 10:00 a.m. on July 23.
“For the records, no such thing happened. The reports misrepresented and exaggerated the facts. We can confirm that the aircraft in question landed safely but had a minimal tyre burst while taxing.
“This debunks all the mischievously headlined reports circulating online, which should be disregarded.
“Our aircraft neither crashed nor crash landed in Ilorin or in any place for that matter. This kind of sensationalism is bad and is intended to cause panic in the minds of the flying public,’’ Olisa said.
He said the incident was duly reported to the authorities and passengers disembarked seamlessly.
“The tyres have, however, been fixed and aircraft is intact. We condemn sensational publication of falsehood.
“Air Peace is committed to providing peaceful connectivity across cities and relentlessly observes the highest standards of safety in its operations,” he added.
Mr Tunji Oketunbi, AIB General Manager, Public Affairs, also vehemently denied the report.
“There was no crash whatsoever,” Oketunbi said.
He said the plane only had a tyre burst after landing.
“This is to confirm an incident involving Air Peace B737-500 with registration Mpmarks 5N-BQR that occurred on July 23 in Ilorin, at about 10:30 a.m local time.
“There were 66 passengers and six crew members onboard. AIB safety investigators did an evaluation of the occurrence and decided not to investigate.
“The aeroplane has been released to the operator (Air Peace).
“The delay in opening the airport is down to the recovery of the Aeroplane from the Runway by FAAN and Air Peace. The aeroplane had a tyre burst on landing roll.
“We enjoin all media practitioners to verify all information before going to press.”
Similarly, Capt. Musa Nuhu, the Director-General, Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), cautioned against sensationalism and noted that such would damage the reputation of the industry if care was not taken.
Nuhu also said that the aircraft had the incident around 10:00 a.m on Friday after landing from Abuja but after evaluation by the AIB safety inspectors, decided not to investigate.
-
BREAKING: Osubi airport resumes commercial flights operations
Osubi airport, located in Osubi, Okpe Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta has resumed commercial flights operations to serve the people of Warri.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the federal government approved reopening of the Osubi airport for daylight operations in March, 2021.
The Osubi airport was closed in February 2020, following controversy involving aviation service providers and management of the airport over alleged debt and mismanagement.
Following the approval given by the FG for the airport to resume operation, the State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa had said his government has had fruitful discussions with the management of United Nigeria airlines to commence full operations at the airport.
TNG reports the Osubi airport resumed commercial flights operations with the landing of an Air Peace commercial flight on Friday. It was not immediately clear why United Nigeria airlines had refused to operate the airport.
Present as the airport resumes operations are the Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Sheriff Oborevwori, and the Orodje Okpe, HRM Felix Mujakperuo.
Others are the Ovie of Uvwie, HRM Emmanuel Sideso, the Chairman of Okpe LGA, Mr Isaiah Esiovwa, and amongst other dignitaries.
Meanwhile, in his remarks, Oborevwori expressed happiness over the re-opening of the Osubi airport.
The Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly revealed that the Osubi airport was now under the purview of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN).
Oborevwori, who represents Okpe State Constituency in the State House of Assembly said: “Today is one of my happiest days and indeed a great pleasure to make this remarks”.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, we are here to witness the re-making of history. I say this because on the 17th of April, 1999 when the Osubi Airport was commissioned, it was first of its kind in the State. It attracted headlines as a major breakthrough in air transportation in the State.
“Unfortunately, following controversy involving aviation service providers and management of the Airport, it was closed in February, 2020.
“One year after the shutdown, we are here gathered to witness the reopening of the Osubi Airport by the Federal Government. To me, this is a milestone for the State and Okpe Local Government Area in particular.
“The strategic importance of the Airport to the oil and gas operations, and other commercial activities in the State cannot be over emphasized.
“In 2015, the number of passengers movements into the Airport, according to the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Aviation Sector Reports, was 187,630 (one hundred and eighty seven thousand, six hundred and thirty).
“I believe this figure would be more as at the date the Airport was shutdown.
“The implication of the above is that these passengers along with all the economic benefits were taken elsewhere. The loss of revenue to the State and the host community during this period cannot be quantified. Therefore, it is a thing of joy that the Airport is being reopened today for business”.
Oborevwori seized the opportunity to acknowledge and appreciate some persons, who he said contributed towards the re-opening of the airport.
“First and foremost, I wish to thank our Governor, His Excellency, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, for making the reopening of the Airport a priority by engaging the Federal Government on the need to reopen the Airport.
“In keeping with his promise of the reopening without delay, His Excellency provided and installed all the safety requirements which include all procedures, practices and Covid – 19 protocols.
“His Excellency also provided an ambulance and made provisions for maintenance for the take off of the reopening of the Airport. Your Excellency sir, we are grateful to you.
“Our special appreciation also goes to the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, for granting the approval for the reopening,” he said.
He also appreciated the very strategic role of the royal fathers, saying that: “My Special thanks to His Royal Majesty, Orhue 1, Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, and His Royal Majesty, Emmanuel Sideso, Abe 1, the Ovie of Uvwie Kingdom.
“In the same vein, I also wish to express my gratitude to my good friend and brother, Alfred Temile, for providing support for the first clearing of grasses in the Airport and maintenance of the fire truck. Thank you for your love and kindness.
“Furthermore, I wish to thank the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and their Management, which now have the management of the Airport under their purview.
“In the same manner, I also wish to thank and urge the NNPC, NAPIMS and all the regulators to ensure the smooth running of the Airport. Finally, I am grateful to everyone that contributed in one way or the other for the approval of the reopening of the Airport,” Oborevwori said.
-
TRENDING VIDEO: See frustrated passengers aboard Air Peace plane fanning themselves profusely
A viral video has emerged of some passengers aboard an Air Peace flight fanning themselves with papers as the heat became unbearable.
While TheNewsGuru.com, TNG could not ascertain the particular flight and where it was routed, however, a particular Twitter user, Sir Mixalot (@joeycrazype0ple) who was aboard the flight shared a short video of the situation on the plane.
The tweet received massive comments and likes with other twitter users confirming the situation:
If I ever fly Airpeace again let me die pic.twitter.com/X6PiMwcfa8
— Tshirt Guy (@joeycrazype0ple) April 8, 2021
-
Give High National Honours to Air Peace, Innoson Motors Chairmen, Anambra Government tells Buhari
The Anambra State Government has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to bestow commensurate national honours on two indigenes of the state in appreciation of their “path-changing contributions to national development”.
According to the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr C. Don Adinuba, the government made the request for the conferment of high national honours on the chairman of Air Peace, Chief Allen Onyeama, and the chief executive of Innoson Motor Manufacturing Company, Chief Innocent Chukwuma, in a letter which Governor Willie Obiano sent to President Buhari this afternoon.
Commissioner Adinuba explained that the government’s recommendation to Buhari was against the background of the second Embraer plane from which Air Peace acquired recently out of the 13 it ordered from the Brazilian manufacturer to boost its local and regional operations and the honorary doctoral degree which the University of Calabar conferred on the Innoson chairman at the weekend.
“These two gentlemen are deserving of everything in gold”, Governor Obiano wrote in the letter to the president.
“They have changed the narrative of Nigeria’s development for the better.
“The whole nation remembers with nostalgia how Chief Onyema sent his wide-bodied aircraft to South Africa two years ago to bring back free of charge hundreds of Nigerians stranded in the country when South Africans launched xenophobic attacks on our fellow countrymen”.
Chief Obiano stated that if not for Chief Onyeama’s intervention since 2014, the Nigerian civil aviation industry would have collapsed or been in a comatose state.
“He invested a fortune in it and ensured that Air Peace maintained the highest standards in the world in terms of the state of the art equipment, safety, staff training, as well as ground and in-flight services”, he said.
The governor commended the carrier for reviving and developing airports across the country like Akure Airport in Ondo State which, he noted, were practically abandoned for years.
H also praised Air Peace chairman for his decision to build a hanger for the repair and maintenance of various aircraft at Anambra International Cargo/Passenger Airport which is nearing completion and for his role in the effort to get Embraer to build its maintenance facility for the African region in the state.
“These two projects”, he argued, “will go a long way to make our airport a truly air transportation hub in Nigeria, if not the whole of West Africa, as envisaged by the government which has ensured that it is the most modern airport in the country and the airport with the longest runway in Africa.
“The world’s biggest planes can land there easily”.Governor Obiano described the Innosson chairman as a revolutionary in the country’s quest for industrial development.
“Not even the colossal government failure to sustain motor assembly plants in Nigeria over the decades could deter this entrepreneur, who went into business with modest means as motorcycle seller, from dreaming big and building the nation’s first motor manufacturing firm.
“Only a tough-minded, visionary and patriotic Nigerian could venture into industrialization on a large scale as Chief Chukwuma has done, considering the poor state of infrastructure in the country like electric power and the high cost of funds, to say nothing about hypercometition from Western and Asian automobile multinationals.
“The constant and remarkable improvements in Innoson vehicles have added to their competitiveness; they compete on both quality and price.
“Today Innnoson motors are sold all over Nigeria and beyond, thus flying Nigeria’s flag in different countries, just like Chief Allen whose airline operates into different African countries and into the United Arab Emirates with plans to extend flights to the United Kingdom, China, India, United States, etc.
“These two Anambra sons are earning foreign exchange for the country making the whole nation proud.
“They are eminently deserving of the national highest honours for their selfless and patriotic services which will ginger them to do more and encourage other citizens to follow in their noble footsteps.”
-
Anambra to work With Air Peace to bring Embraer Service Centre to State
The Anambra State government has set in motion the machinery to work with West Africa’s leading airline, Air Peace, to get Embraer of Brazil, the world’s fourth largest civilian aircraft manufacturer, to locate a service centre for Africa in the state.
Though the details of the state government’s move are not yet made public, it is understood that Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State has since last year been in talks with the Air Peace founder, Chief Allen Onyema, to get the Brazilians to cite the service centre at Anambra International Cargo Airport at Umueri which is still undergoing construction.
At the delivery last week of Air Peace E195 –E2 in Lagos, Chief Onyema made a passionate appeal to the Brazilian embassy in Abuja to advise the Embraer Corporation in Sao Paulo to build a service centre in Nigeria to cater for the African region.
The brand new plane, registered as 5N-BYF, is the first in 13 Embraer aircraft ordered by the airline for its African regional routes.
“As the first carrier in Africa to purchase Embraer’s E series, which is the latest, Air Peace, with our support, is in a strong position to lobby the manufacturer to bring such a centre to our state”, Governor Obiano said today in a virtual discussion with some members of his administration working quietly on the project.
Anambra International Cargo Airport, the second biggest airport in the country, is designed to accommodate at least one hanger to service different kinds of aircraft, according to Air Vice Marshall Ben Chiobi (retired), Special Adviser to Governor Obiano on Creative Security and a former Nigerian Air Force pilot who also used to be the military attaché at the Nigerian Embassy in Paris, France.
When he visited the airport last August, an impressed Chief Onyema pledged to build a hanger there.
“If Air Peace builds a hanger there and Embraer follows suit with an African service centre, the vision of building this modern and large airport on a very large swath of land will have been realized”, stated Chief Obiano.
“We didn’t set out to build just any airport, but a strategic one which will help boost traditional commerce in our state and beyond, but, quiet importantly, result in technology transfer and in the transformation of our economic landscape”.
Meanwhile, the state government has described Chief Onyema as the greatest current promoter of private diplomacy in Nigeria.
“Onyema”, said Governor Obiano in a message to the Air Peace chairman following the acquisition of the new plane from Brazil, “has shown that you need not be in government or hold any public office to effectively promote the interests of your country.
“It is not just in Brazil that he has boosted our reputation far better than any person but also in such places as South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates where Air Peace flies into regularly, with plans to start flying into the United States, India, Israel and the United Kingdom shortly.
“What is more, the excellent safety record of the carrier and the efficient ground and onboard services it provides, coupled with its schedule integrity, have all combined to make it compete effectively with the best airlines in the world.
“We are proud that Chief Onyema, a worthy son of Anambra State, is championing African economic integration, a Nigerian foreign policy plank, through tireless opening of regional routes.
“This is to say nothing about his promotion of national integration and unity by flying every hour to all parts of Nigeria.
“Air travel in Nigeria would have been extremely difficult if not for Chief Onyema who is not driven by the profit motive but service to humanity, starting with fellow Nigerians”.
Air Peace, which commenced commercial operations in 2013, has 30 aircraft in its fleet, with 23 more expected from both Embraer and Boeing Corporation of the United States, the world’s biggest aircraft manufacturer.