The Managing Director/CEO of Fidelity Bank PLC, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, has described the Chairman/CEO, Air Peace Limited, West Africa’s largest carrier, Dr. Allen Onyema, as a financially disciplined businessman whose integrity is worthy of emulation.
The Fidelity boss gave the commendation at the 10th anniversary celebration of Air Peace at the weekend in Lagos State.
Onyeali-Ikpe disclosed that Fidelity Bank was there with Air Peace right from inception, adding that the company’s integrity was the reason for the sustained relationship.
She said: “The biggest thing I can tell you today about the company is their financial discipline.
“Anytime I have a reason to say it, I always say it.
“Air Peace, led by the chairman, has what you call financial discipline.
“You don’t remind them when their payments are due, and I don’t know which banker would not be delighted by such.”
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While congratulating Onyeama and all the staff for the airline’s achievements, the Fidelity Bank boss assured: “We started with the first aircraft and now we are over 51.
“We know they have fought battles both internationally and locally and they’ve survived.
“Off the top of my head is the COVID period.
“It was a very difficult time, but they survived.
“We are happy to be a strategic partner of Air Peace and we will continue to be.”
Looking back, Dr. Onyeali-Ikpe commended Onyema for his resilience.
She said: “We did the heavy-lifting at the time when nobody believed in sponsoring the aviation industry because for no reason, statistics showed that it was a risky business.
“And like the Minister had said, many had died before then.
“So when we made pitches to the board to finance, they were like: ‘Don’t go there.’
“But we believed in Allen, we believed in his strength of personality and I stand here today to tell you that it’s been a wonderful experience.
“We are here today to celebrate them and say congratulations and this is just the beginning of great things.”
Air Peace officially commenced business on October 25, 2024.
Since then, the company has grown to be a reputable airline in the country, even as it commenced international flights in 2022 with a flight to China.
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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