The Chairman/CEO of Air Peace Limited, West Africa’s largest carrier, Dr. Allen Onyema, has commended the President Bola Tinubu for transforming the aviation sector.
Dr. Onyema, who spoke at Air Peace Airline’s 10th anniversary over the weekend, praised the deliberate policies of the government for this.
He said President Tinubu has been intentional about bringing long-lasting changes aimed at making air travel friendly and convenient.
He said hope began to rise in the aviation industry over the past year with the appointment of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who has undertaken a revamp of the industry, thereby increasing the competitiveness of Nigerian airlines.
He said: “Now, you must have noticed some changes in the aviation industry in the last one year.
“I want to use this opportunity to thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating a platform through the instrumentality of his appointment of Festus Keyamo as Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
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“So, if I praise President Tinubu, you must know I am saying the truth because I am involved.
“The appointment of Festus Keyamo has given rise to a transformation of the aviation industry.”
Onyema pointed out that the high mortality rate of airlines in the country is connected to the disconnect between policymakers and business owners in the industry.
He said: “We have a minister who came onboard and surprised all of us.
“One thing he has done very well is that he listens, and this minister has no agenda for his self-interest.
“This is someone who will take a decision and will follow it through.”
The Air Peace Chairman emphasised that part of Keyamo’s success stems from his openness to discussion and his lack of airs, adding that these are qualities that make him a successful and unmatched minister in comparison to previous experiences.
He said every decision made by Keyamo has been in the best interest of airlines.
Onyema said: “When he signed the Cape Town Convention, he was not doing it for any particular person.
“He was doing it for the entire aviation industry.
“And I am sure, starting from next year, airlines in Nigeria will start accessing dry lease.”
The Air Peace Chairman, whose airline has lifted over 24 million passengers since inception and still counting, expressed gratitude to Nigerians, saying it is a national project owned by Nigerians.
He added: “So, we are very grateful to Nigerians from all walks of life.
“Air Peace belongs to all of you.
“Air Peace does not belong to the Onyema family.
“It belongs to all Nigerians.
“We believe that this airline belongs to all Nigerians.
“Look at the faces of thousands of Nigerians this airline has provided a platform for, enabling them to earn a livelihood and support their families.
“That should be your concern.”
Onyema recalled a recent incident where a passenger on Air Peace’s Lagos-London flight created a video to complain about the airline diverting a flight bound for London to Manchester, both in the United Kingdom, due to bad weather.
He explained that the flight was delayed in departing from Nigeria because of the weather and that it took off when conditions allowed, based on the weather report.
He said: “Five minutes before landing, the weather deteriorated, forcing Air Peace and other airlines to divert their flights to Manchester and other cities instead of landing at Gatwick.”
He regretted that the passenger, who created the misleading video, failed to mention that weather forced the diversion, as was the case with other airlines destined for Gatwick that day, insisting the video was made out of mischief.
Acknowledging that no system is perfect, Onyema pledged that Air Peace will continue striving for excellence.
He thanked customers for their understanding, especially in areas where the airline fell short, and emphasised that Air Peace has an outstanding safety record, which the management intends to continually improve to better serve Nigerians.
Congratulating Air Peace on this milestone, Senator Sa’idu Ahmed Alkali, Minister of Transportation, representing the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, celebrated Air Peace’s contributions to regional integration, noting its extensive network as a foundation for cultural and commercial exchange.
Keyamo commended Air Peace for its unparalleled contributions to Nigeria’s aviation industry.
He pledged government support for Air Peace’s future endeavours, including route expansion and continued excellence.
In his goodwill message, the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, noted that airline business is capital-intensive, but has very low profit margins.
Obaseki observed that anyone entering the airline business aims to build the economy of their country, not to make huge profits.
He said: “I don’t think they make a lot of money.
“So, it is about service to the country.
“It is about service to citizens.
“In a country where road infrastructure barely exists, where rail and advanced water transport are lacking, air travel is not a luxury.
“It has become a necessity.
“And this amazing Nigerian, this amazing Edo boy, who was born in Abudu, has risen to the occasion.
“He has not only built an airline, which is almost a proxy for a national airline, but he has also built an airline we are so proud of.
“It has all the trappings and elements of any world-class airline.
“One thing I want to congratulate you on tonight is your safety record.
“And so, for most of us Nigerians, once we board your aircraft, we are assured that you will take us to our destination safely.”
Obaseki attributed part of Air Peace’s success to gender balance and effective gender management, noting that the airline’s management team is predominantly female.
He commended this approach as a factor in the airline’s success.
He said: “You have recognised the critical role gender plays in business.
“Your commitment to maintaining gender balance in your airline’s management is a key reason for the success you have achieved.
“So, I am here tonight to join family, friends, and well-wishers to thank you for what you are doing for our country.
“We wish you and Air Peace many more years of success.”
Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, Managing Director of Fidelity Bank, spoke on behalf of the airline’s corporate partners, calling Air Peace an inspirational model of resilience and innovation.
Onyeali-Ikpe praised the airline for its economic impact and community initiatives, noting its role in job creation and market expansion.
Speaking on the future of Nigerian aviation and its potential for boosting the country’s GDP, the Sales Director for Boeing Commercial Aircraft, Moore Ibekwe, said he and other aviation stakeholders have been brainstorming on ways to improve Nigeria’s aviation sector.
Ibekwe said: “As a Nigerian, I have spent a lot of time here to see how we can enhance the aviation industry.
“One of my favourite partners in aviation is Dr. Allen Onyema.
“Last year, we had a conversation about how we can improve aviation in Nigeria.
“I said there are a lot of things the government needs to do, things airlines need to do, and things we at Boeing need to do.
“One recent accomplishment is the improvement in our CTC index, or Cape Town Convention, from 49 to 75.5.”
Ibekwe also emphasised Air Peace’s pioneering role in Nigerian aviation and commended its investment in Boeing aircraft to meet passenger comfort and sustainability standards.
He highlighted Boeing’s initiatives to support Nigeria’s aviation sector through its development programmes.
Francisco Moraes, Vice President of Sales at Embraer Commercial Aviation, lauded Air Peace’s commitment to modernisation and fleet expansion, citing its order for additional aircraft and support in establishing a local Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul facility in Nigeria.
A special awards ceremony honoured devoted Air Peace staff who have exemplified dedication over the past decade.
Categories included: Longest Serving Staff, Pilot, Cabin Crew, Engineer, Support Staff, Ground Operations, and Aviation Security Personnel.
The airline also recognised top trade partners in the travel sector, awarding travel agencies that have consistently promoted Air Peace’s services.
Corporate Client Awards were given to companies that partnered with Air Peace to meet their corporate travel needs.
Air Peace also celebrated its most loyal passengers, presenting a special Frequent Flyer Award to those who have flown over 250 times with the airline.
This category was especially inspiring, reflecting the airline’s strong connection with customers who continually choose Air Peace as their preferred airline.
The event was a blend of glamour and entertainment, featuring electrifying performances from top Nigerian artists.
Soulful renditions by Efezino and Mirabel Chisom set the mood, followed by gospel star Ada Ehi, who captivated the crowd with uplifting songs.
Comedian Kenny Blaq brought humour to the evening, leaving the audience in stitches with his lively act.
The momentum continued with Timi Dakolo’s powerful performance of: “Great Nation,” resonating deeply with the audience as a symbol of Nigeria’s unity and resilience.
Kcee and Flavour followed with Afrobeat rhythms that had guests dancing, while Davido closed the night with an exhilarating set, delivering hit after hit to the crowd’s delight.
From seven aircraft and five destinations on its first day of operations, Air Peace has grown into a leader in West African aviation.
Founded in 2014 by Onyema, the airline connects people across Africa and beyond with a fleet of Boeing and Embraer aircraft.
The airline’s “No City Left Behind” initiative has brought service to underserved regions, fostering social and economic development.
Air Peace’s commitment to corporate social responsibility has led to transformative initiatives, from scholarships and health programmes to environmental conservation.
The airline’s 10-year journey exemplifies resilience, innovation, and a relentless focus on customer satisfaction.
As the celebration concluded, attendees were inspired by Air Peace’s journey and looked forward to the next decade of its impact.
The 10th anniversary was not only a tribute to the airline’s success but a powerful reminder of its dedication to elevating African aviation and connecting communities across borders.
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