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Tag: Air Peace

  • Air Peace delivers FG’s medical supplies from Turkey

    Air Peace on Sunday delivered the first batch of the Federal Government’s medical supplies to fight against the spread of Coronavirus pandemic and treatment of those infected.

    Its Chief Operating Officer, Mrs Toyin Olajide, said in a statement in Lagos that the medical supplies was carried by Air Peace aircraft Boeing 777 with registration number 5N-BWI.

    Olajide said the aircraft landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, from Istanbul, Turkey on Saturday night.

    She gave kudos to the Federal Government for its efforts to curtail the spread of Coronavirus disease in Nigeria.

    Olajide said that the Nigerian Government was ahead of some countries in the fight against the virus, which was devastating to mankind.

    “The management of Air Peace commends the Federal Government for being proactive in the preparation for emergencies, preventing the spread of the virus.

    “For also providing the kits and other medical equipment for the treatment of those infected by the pandemic.

    “This shows that government is ready to fight this disease and it is even more prepared that governments of some of the advanced nations in the measures and strategies adopted to eradicate the virus,” she said.

    Also, an inside source told the News Agency of Nigeria that the flight left Nigeria early Saturday for the seven hours flight to Turkey and was able to lift the supplies and returned to Nigeria before midnight.

    The source also said apart from the first medical supplies, the airline would leave Nigeria for China on Monday with Boeing 777-ER marked 5N-BVE for another batch of medical supplies.

    According to the source, Air Peace will also deliver another supplies for the Federal Government.

    “It will leave for Beijing on Monday for 15 hours non-stop flight to China with its B777-ER with registration number 5N-BVE,” the source said.

  • Air Peace transports 274 Israelis from Nigeria

    Air Peace says 274 Israelis was evacuated from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos and the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja (NAIA) to Tel-Aviv, Israel.

    Mr Allen Onyema, the Chairman of Air Peace, made this known on Sunday in a statement in Lagos.

    Onyema said the flight, which transported 65 passengers from Lagos and proceeded to Abuja to transport another 209, was operated by Air Peace Boeing 777-300 with registration number 5N-BWI.

    He described the flight as historical, saying, “it is the first time Nigeria and Israel would have a direct flight”.

    Onyema expressed hope that subsequently the two countries would have scheduled direct flight between Lagos and Tel-Aviv.

    “It is a historic day for both Nigeria and Israel. History has been made today; 60 years of diplomatic relations, no direct flight has been conducted between Nigeria and Israel till today.

    “So, this is the first time Nigeria and Israel will have direct air connectivity.

    “So, it is a historic day, and it is going to portend greater things that will come, both countries have a lot to gain by having direct flights.

    “Nigeria is a land of huge potential, which Israel may be willing to tap into, while Nigeria will want to tap into science and technology, which Israel is known for.

    “I really want to thank the Federal Government of Nigeria for making this possible.

    “Previous administrations were unable to pull this through, but this government did it. We have a compassionate government, that I can tell you,” he added.

    According to him, it is difficult to get flight permits, even during this critical period of emergencies from other countries, but Nigeria did not waste a second to approve this flight.

    “The Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, approved the request the moment it was presented to him.

    “All the heads of aviation agencies gave their supports, which made the flight possible. So, it is the government that made the evacuation possible,” Onyema said.

    He said the Israel Government also gave its support and allowed for the first time a Nigerian airline to operate direct flight to Israel, noting that this was something good for both countries, good for our diplomatic relations.

    “So, I feel proud; I fell privileged to be part of this history, and I thank God Almighty for it. We have to build from here now going forward,” the Air Peace chairman said.

    He also said that the COVID-19 storm would be over someday.

    “When it is over, we look forward to do scheduled direct flight to Israel; at least twice a week to Tel-Aviv; this will help boost business relations between both countries.

    “So, there is a lot to be gained instead of people going through different countries before getting to Israel.

    “For Israelis to get to their country, they spent about 18 hours for just about five hours flight from Nigeria.

    “They were happy and clapping for the Nigerian Government and for the Israeli Government for making this happen today. So, I say kudos to the Buhari administration for making this come through,” Onyema said.

    Responding, the Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Shimon Ben-Shoshan, expressed happiness for the successful evacuation of his country’s citizens from Nigeria.

    Ben-Shoshan commended the chairman of Air Peace, for his invaluable contribution in making the air transport possible.

    “Thank you so much for this cooperation with us. We will work together.

    “During this operation, I will work with you hand by hand. I can say that you are the darling of the Nigerian people, but you are my hero. Thank you so much,” Ben-Shoshan.

    Also, an Israeli official, who superintended the process from Lagos, but wished not to be named, said it was because of the Coronavirus pandemic that Israel decided to evacuate its citizens.

    “This is to enable them to have access to better medical facilities and personnel in Israel than in Nigeria.

    “We are evacuating because of the Coronavirus and the situation in Nigeria, which could become serious.

    “You see what is happening all over the world. So for us to protect our citizens better, we take them home to get a better health service.

    “If something happens to you here you go to private hospital, not government hospital; but in Israel, we have government hospitals. By God’s grace we hope to have direct flight subsequently,” the official said.

    Commenting, the Air Peace Station Manager at MMIA, Mr Lenard Olisakwe, expressed happiness that Israel chose Nigerian airline to evacuate its citizens to Israel.

    Olisakwe said: “It is not easy to be patronised by Israelis who are highly security conscious, having to say, yes I am handing over the lives of my citizens to a particular airline is a big one.

    “I was excited too because for them to choose Air Peace they must have done a lot of homework because they are not frivolous people.

    “We are operating from both Abuja and Lagos. It is a transit flight. We will take them to Abuja International Airport where the other passengers will join and from Abuja to Tel-Aviv.

    “It is about five hours flight. We are using one of our B777-300 BWI. It is one of the best we have,” he said.

  • Coronavirus: Max Air, Air Peace, Dana Air, Arik suspend flights

    Coronavirus: Max Air, Air Peace, Dana Air, Arik suspend flights

    The Max Air Transport Company said it will suspend its domestic flight from 27 March to 12 April for the safety of the general public and staff from being infected by coronavirus.

    In a statement issued on Wednesday by Max Air Executive Director, Mr Harish Manwani, the company expressed regret on inconvenience the act could cause the masses.

    “ Max Air Wishes to inform the general public that we are suspending our domestic flight from Friday 27 March, 2020.

    “This has become imperative for the safety of the general public and the staff members as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic ravaging the world.

    “Max air regret any inconveniences this will cause the general public. We hope to resume operations on the 12th April 2020, “Manwani said.

    Aero Contractors was the first domestic airline that announced suspension of flights over coronavirus. It said on Tuesday that flights would be suspended for two weeks from 26 March.

    On Wednesday, Arik Air, Dana Air and Air Peace also announced a similar measure.

    Dana Air is halting all operations from the midnight of 25th March (today), for two weeks.

    “In line with the precautionary measures by the Lagos State Government to stem the spread of the COVID-19, kindly note that all our flight operations will be suspended effective Wednesday, the 25th of March for two weeks,” the airline said.

    As for Air Peace, the suspension of all its flight services starts in the mid-night of Friday, 27th of March for 23 days.

    The Chief Operating Officer, Mrs. Toyin Olajide, of Air Peace in a statement said:

    “It is with a great sense of responsibility that we have decided, in the best interest of our nation, our passengers and workforce, to suspend scheduled flight operations for 23 days effective 23.00hrs on Friday (an hour before midnight on Friday) the 27th day of March, 2020 as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

    “This difficult decision was reached in order to, not only, support the efforts of the Federal Government and other stakeholders in curbing the spread of this virus in our nation but also to protect our teeming passengers and our staff from becoming victims of the pandemic.”

  • Air Peace is leading Nigeria’s re-branding, says Anambra State government

    Air Peace, Nigeria’s leading air carrier, is leading Nigeria’s re-branding on the global stage, says the Anambra State government.

    In a statement today in Awka, the state capital, the Anambra government noted that there “is no individual or organization anywhere in the world helping as much as Air Peace to re-brand Nigeria in the comity of nations, starting with the global aviation industry”.

    The statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr C. Don Adinuba, the state government cited the airline’s plans to commence operations into Mumbai, India, next month as “the latest brave effort by the firm to position the country strategically on the global scene”.

    “All Nigerians are impressed by the fact that a few months after Nigeria and India signed a bilateral air service agreement (BASA), our own airline has taken far-reaching steps to make Nigerians benefit reasonably from the deal”, declared the state government which noted that, though 25 foreign airlines operate into the country, some from multiple destinations, Nigeria has been utilizing not more than 10% of its air agreements with other nations on account of limited capacity.

    Air Peace began international operations last July 3 with direct flights into the United Arab Emirates, charging passengers from Lagos to Sharjah and Dubai about half of the fares by foreign airlines on the same route.

    The airline, which commenced scheduled passenger flights in 2014 a year after incorporation, scored a bull’s eye on September 14, 2018, when it signed in the residence of the American consul general in Lagos a deal worth billions of dollars with Boeing Corporation to purchase 10 brand new planes from the world’s foremost aircraft manufacturing company which is based in Seattle, Washington State.

    “Air Peace has proved to be an excellent Nigerian brand in the West African sub region where it has been operating successfully without any serious incident for the past six years”, Commissioner Adinuba asserted in the statement.

    If not for Air Peace, according to the Anambra State government, Nigeria “would have been getting next to nothing from its bilateral service agreements (BASAs) with 92 countries in all regions of the world”.

    “Air Peace has enabled Nigeria to become recognized lately in global aviation”, said the state government, “unlike in the last few years when there was not one single indigenous air carrier able to compete strongly with foreign operators.

    “Even the few indigenous airlines which ventured to operate on international routes were using only one wide-body aircraft each, which put them in a terrible position because any time there was a problem with the operating aircraft, it would affect their entire international operations which, in turn, affected their passengers awfully.

    “In contrast, Air Peace acquired three Boeing 777 planes before starting international operations, and this has ensured that its international passengers are not stranded whenever any of its machines is not available for any reason.”

    The statement quoted Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State as stating that “it is truly heartwarming that Air Peace uses the latest equipment in the aviation industry like the best foreign airlines, its pilots and other crew members are trained, skilled and experienced as those of foreign carriers and it services its planes in the same place as the leading international aviation firms, yet its fares are pocket friendly”.

    Chief Obiano, according to Commissioner Adinuba, deplored the practice where foreign airlines force Nigerians travelling from Lagos or Abuja to London, a six-hour journey, to pay higher than those flying from Johannesburg in South Africa to London, which typically takes nine hours.

    The governor lauded Air Peace for “its acute patriotism”, urging it to quickly draw a time table when it will start direct flights into London, Houston, Guangzhou and Johannesburg.

    “Nigerians and other West Africans are waiting impatiently to fly Air Peace to these places because of the competitive fares but also its excellent safety record and the quality of its in-flight and ground services”.

    Reiterating an earlier call to make the airline Nigeria’s flag carrier “instead of wasting time and funds by promoting another firm,” Governor Obiano remarked that “Air Peace has truly become an excellent Nigerian brand which is making every Nigerian proud”.

  • Air Peace becomes Official Airline for ‘Interswitch One Africa Music Fest’

    Air Peace becomes Official Airline for ‘Interswitch One Africa Music Fest’

    Interswitch One Africa Music Fest has announced a partnership with Air Peace to become 2019 Official Airline Sponsor for the event.

    Air Peace is fast quickly becoming one of Africa’s leading airline carriers domestically and internationally. This partnership will highlight the shared commitment of philanthropy, tourism and global awareness showcasing all that Africa has to offer.

    The multi-faceted partnership between the two organizations was solidified on Friday, 4th October 2019 in Lagos.

    Speaking on Air-Peace’s partnership with One Africa Global, Allen Onyema, CEO of Air-Peace remarked that “Africa is made up of vibrant populace and we are extremely proud of the rebirth that has been witnessed, notably in the entertainment sector and the economy, particularly with our music, fashion, and the creative industry which has resounded and gathered international applause in recent years on the forte of sheer flexibility and in the spirit of growing African enterprises.

    This partnership was forged by the growing influence of One Africa Global products and Air-Peace’s commitment to becoming the largest and most profitable airline company providing safe, efficient and affordable short and long-haul services. We remain persistent in our mission to actively engage and reward our customers across Africa, leveraging on global platforms that have the tenacity to promote Africa’s heritage such as One Africa Global”.

    In addition, Paul O., CEO, One Africa Global said “It’s been my ultimate goal to showcase Africa to the world and create a channel that bridges the gap. I am enthusiastic and equally pleased to announce this partnership! As two proudly African brands come together for a common goal to showcase the very best from Africa. We are on a journey to take Africa to the world and bring the world to Africa. I am super excited it is with Air Peace”.

    This year, the Interswitch One Africa Music Fest was completely sold-out in New York and London. The next concert will take place in Dubai on the 15th of November at the Festival Arena, Festival city Dubai.

     

  • Xenophobia intervention: Reps recommend Air Peace boss for national award

    Xenophobia intervention: Reps recommend Air Peace boss for national award

    From Jonas Ike, Abuja

    The House of Representatives on Wednesday urged President Muhammadu Buhari to include Chairman of Air Peace Airline Mr. Allen Onyema in the 2020 National Honours Award list for his efforts in evacuating many stranded Nigerians from South Africa.
    This was sequel to the adoption of a motion by Hon. Abdulrazak Namdas (Adamawa, APC) entitled: “Need for Federal Government to Award Mr Allen Onyema National Honours for Evacuating Stranded Nigerians from South Africa” on the floor of the House.
    Debating the motion, Namdas noted that Onyema in the wake of renewed unprovoked xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other foriegn nationales living in South Africa had depolyed his airlines to evacuate many stranded Nigerians.
    He further noted that in the last two weeks many Nigerians had landed safely at the Murtala Muhamed International Airport Lagos from South Africa
    The lawmakers also noted that the good gesture from Onyema who he described as a detrabalized Nigerian was done at no cost at either the federal or state governments in Nigeria.
    He called on other well meaning citizens of the country to emulate the good gesture from Onyema and called on the House to ask that the Federal Government include his name in the 2020 National Honours Award list.
    Prior to the motion, a good number of other lawmakers from all the six geo-political zones had spoke glowingly about the good gesture extended to stranded Nigerians from the Anambra State born lawyer and businessman.
    Consequently, the Speaker Hon. Femi Gbajabimilla put the matter to a voice vote and the lawmakers voted overwhelmingly for it.
    He subsequently mandated the Clerk to the House Hon. Muhammed Abdulkadir to ensure that the resolution is immediately transmitted to the President for necessary action.

  • Xenophobia: South Africa grants landing permit to Air Peace after initial delay

    The landing permit of the Air Peace Flight B777 has been granted after it was initially delayed by the South African authorities.

    Over 300 Nigerians were expected to return home today as part of the government’s efforts to evacuate Nigerians, in the wake of xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

    But according to the airline, they would be taking off later this evening as a result of the delay in obtaining a landing permit.

    So far, 187 Nigerians have been successfully evacuated and profiled according to their states.

    The Federal Government has also confirmed that none of the returnees are criminals and that issues of compensation for victims will be handled by the ministry of foreign affairs.

    Meanwhile, the Minister, Geoffery Onyeama says the xenophobic attacks will not be on the nation’s agenda at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA).

    This according to him, is because he believes both Nigeria and South Africa should be able to sort out their differences privately.

    Onyeama disclosed this on Tuesday at a media briefing on Nigeria’s participation at the 74th UNGA holding in New York.

    The Minister further stated that the issues of non-renewal of work permits of Nigerians in South Africa and the reports around the cancellation of the residency of the returnees will be discussed by both President Muhammadu Buhari and Cyril Ramaphosa during their meeting on October 3.

  • Onyeama lauds Air peace for evacuating 1st batch of Nigerians from South Africa

    Onyeama lauds Air peace for evacuating 1st batch of Nigerians from South Africa

    Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama has lauded Air Peace Airline for the successful evacuation of the first batch of 178 Nigerians willing to return from South Africa.

    Mr Kimiebi Ebienfa of the Ministry’s Crises Monitoring and Public Communications Division made this known in a statement on Thursday following the successful evacuation mission.

    According to him, Onyeama commended the proprietor and management of Air Peace Airlines while receiving 178 Nigerians that voluntarily decided to return to Nigeria following the incessant cases of xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

    He said that the Minister who was represented by Mr Chuks Jonathan, acting Director, Southern African Affairs Division assured that the Federal Government will continue to protect lives and properties of Nigerians in Diaspora.

    “The Aircraft conveying the Nigerians arrived the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos at 9.23 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 11.

    “The Minister of Foreign Affairs also promised that the second batch of the evacuation exercise will commence soonest after working out necessary modalities with the Nigerian Mission in South Africa.

    “However, the Minister uses this opportunity to appeal to Nigerians in South Africa to remain calm and patient.

    “As Federal Government is engaging all relevant stakeholders towards finding permanent measures to the unfortunate xenophobic attacks on Nigerians,” Ebienfa said.

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that following the xenophobia attack on Nigerians in South Africa, Mr Allen Onyeama, Proprietor of the Airline on Sept. 5, volunteered to send an aircraft to evacuate Nigerians willing to return free of charge.

    NAN reports that to the ministry said 640 Nigerians have indicated their desire to return from South Africa and had registered to do so.

  • Xenophobic attacks : Air Peace offers free flights to stranded Nigerians in South Africa

    By Alex Okoro (Abuja)

    As Nigeria seeks diplomatic resolution on the attack of its nationals in South Africa, indigenous carrier – Air Peace on Wednesday offered to repatriate those stranded.

    The offer, the airline, said was a sign of its solidarity with President Muhammadu Buhari administration.

    The Chairman of the airline, Allen Onyema, made the announcement while sympathizing with the victims who lost their lives and properties in the attacks.

    According to him, the airline decided to bring back Nigerians in support of the action already taken by the federal government.

    Read Also: Just in: Buhari, Osinbajo, Onyeama meet over xenophobia
    In reaction to the attacks in South Africa, the Buhari administration has recalled Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa.

    It also pulled out with some other African leaders who pulled out of World Economic Summit taking place in Cape Town.

    In a letter addressed to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on September 4, 2019, Air Peace expressed readiness to evacuate Nigerians who are willing to leave the country and said that the airline would dispatch its flights to Johannesburg once the arrangement has been completed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    “The xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa are an unfortunate incident and we cannot fold our hands and watch our fellow Nigerians be killed by South Africans.

  • Air Peace pilot opens up on emergency landing at Lagos Airport

    Four days after an Air Peace Boeing 737- 300 made emergency landing at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, Pilot – in – Command of the flight , Captain Simisola Ajibola on Saturday broke silence on the matter debunking claims that she landed the airplane without tyres.
    Ajibola who spoke with The Nation in an interview on Saturday said the tyre of the aircraft only pulled off after the nose wheel of the aircraft collapsed following hard landing.
    She said the clarification was imperative because of different versions of the incident making the round.
    Affirming that the tyre pulled off , after the aircraft touched down at the international runway of the Lagos Airport.
    Ajibola said :“We had a very serviceable aircraft. Our aircraft are machines that are well maintained. It wasn’t the first flight of that day. When we flew the aircraft it was perfectly in good shape.
    “The report about initial landing without tyres is not true. The incident happened after we touched down. I didn’t go into the air without tyres, we were not on a decent without tyres. Some reports say we called for emergency while in the air and that is not true. It was after we landed we asked for emergency services. So whatever happened, happened on the runway that day.”
    Meanwhile, the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) has commenced probe into the incident .
    Its spokesman, Tunji Oketunbi said the bureau will soon release a preliminary report on the matter.
    Oketunbi said : “It is a cumbersome process. Some components have been retrieved from the airline to help with the investigation. So it will take some time but we are doing everything possible to ensure the report is out sooner than expected.”