Akwa Ibom RCFI Laud Dana Air’s Efficiency, On-time Performance

The Uyo chapter of the Royal Circle of Friends International has endorsed Dana Air’s efficiency and on-time performance at its Cultural and Award day held recently in Uyo.

Registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, the Royals is a social –cultural, Multilingual, and non partisan group with membership across the country and vocations. 

The President of the organization, Royal Uduak Okokon JP, while presenting the certificate and award to Dana Air said, ‘as part of our yearly rituals of always meeting to review our score card and return the thanks and praises to God for his goodness towards us as individuals and as a group, we wish to also recognize and appreciate individuals and companies that have contributed to the development of our state and have also impacted us positively with their services and activities.’’

‘Let me on behalf The Royals present you this certificate and award as the Best Airline of the Year 2018. This is in recognition of your efficient customer service, good customer relations, passenger handling, and timely day–to-day flight operations which has been observed over time to be in strict compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and International Air Transport Association (IATA).’’

Speaking after receiving the award on behalf of Dana Air, the Uyo Station Manager, Ms Anthonia Aneke said ‘Dana Air will continue to do its best to offer excellent services and safe flight operations in accordance with standard and recommended practices.'' 

 'The people of Akwa Ibom are time-conscious and despite the upsurge in traffic across our destinations at the moment, we have maintained our operational efficiency with an excellent on-time performance and amazing customer and in-flight service. This has endeared us to the good people of Akwa Ibom state making us their choice for air travel.’’

Commenting further, Ms Anthonia said ‘Uyo is home to Dana Air considering the number of years we have been flying to the state and our longstanding relationship with the government and good people of Akwa Ibom state speaks volumes.  

'As the official airline of Akwa United and having been the preferred airline of one of the biggest Christmas Carols in the world- The Akwa Ibom Christmas Carol festival, we are committed to only offering the best and we promise not to disappoint. We thank the good people of the state particularly, the Royal Circle of Friends for this recognition’’

Only recently, Dana Air  extended its multi-million naira sponsorship deal for the state owned club –Akwa united FC. The airline in July, bagged a global recognition for its standards in ground handling and also won an award as the Best Domestic Airline for passenger facilitation at the Nigerian Aviation Awards 2018

Air Peace targets Dubai, London other international routes in 2019

Air Peace has unveiled its plan for the aviation sector in 2019, assuring air travellers of packages including exceptional long-haul flights to Dubai, Sharjah, London, Guangzhou-China, Houston, Mumbai and Johannesburg.

The Chairman of Air Peace, Mr Allen Onyema, gave the assurance in a statement issued on Thursday in Lagos.

Onyema urged staff of the airline to gear up to raise the bar of flight services to the travelling public in 2019.

The chairman commended the travelling public for preferring Air Peace and staying loyal to its brand in 2018.

He attributed the success of the airline in four years to the unflinching support its customers, pledging that the carrier would spare nothing in making their experience truly rewarding, exciting and safe.

“2018 was both challenging and exciting for us. It was the year we upped our record of firsts.

“In the year under review, we launched a number of domestic and regional routes under our no-city-left-behind project on the platform of our subsidiary, Air Peace Hopper.

“We also made history as the first domestic airline to acquire and register the Boeing 777 aircraft in Nigeria. We have so far acquired four Boeing 777s, with two already delivered.

“We also successfully renewed our International Air Transport Association Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certificate and Air Operator Certificate (AOC) after a very rigorous process.

” We also diversified the aircraft in our fleet with the inclusion of six 50-seater Embraer 145 jets, which have so far helped our yuletide operations in no small way,”Onyema said.

According to him, the airline in September signed a deal with American plane maker, Boeing, for the delivery of 10 brand new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, making Air Peace the first to achieve the feat on the West Coast of Africa.

“We are sincerely grateful to our loyal customers without whose support, preference for our brand and patronage we could not have made a success of the target we set for ourselves in 2018.

” It was quite a challenging year too, given the dire economic situation across the world, but our esteemed customers supported us through it all.

“In 2019, we are going to implement a series of bolder decisions aimed at giving the flying public a truly exciting experience.

” Already, we have begun the expansion of our flight operations to the Murtala Muhammed Airport 2 (MMA2) in response to our customers’ wish for a better space to serve them.

“This becomes effective Jan. 2, 2019 with the operation of our Lagos-Akure, Lagos-Asaba, Lagos-Kaduna and Lagos-Port Harcourt NAF Base services from the facility.

” All flights under our subsidiary, Air Peace Hopper will eventually be moved to MMA2,”he said.

Onyema said Air Peace was
also going to give the flying public a reliable, safe, affordable and comfortable alternative on some international routes, including Dubai, Sharjah, Guangzhou-China, Mumbai, London, Houston and Johannesburg.

” Our staff have been wonderful with their commitment and dedication to duty through the years, but 2019 is one year all hands must be on the deck.

“This is to enable us give our customers the best flight experience on the domestic, regional and international routes and make our dear country, Nigeria and West Africa truly proud in the global aviation industry,” he said. 

Ooni hails Air Peace boss over contributions to Nigeria’s economy, peace

Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Adeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, Ojaja II has commended the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Mr Allen Onyema for his tireless contributions to the economic development and peace of the South West Region and Nigeria as a whole.

Speaking during a visit to Air Peace Corporate Headquarters in Lagos on Wednesday, the Ooni assured Onyema that the Yoruba were deeply appreciative of his role in the development of their land.

The monarch, who was represented by two of his Cultural Ambassadors, Alfred Oladotun Taylor and MorounRanti Ashabi, presented prized Ife artwork and other special gifts to the Air Peace boss as a “sign of my heartfelt appreciation of your person and your contributions to the throne of Oduduwa.”

The artwork presented to Onyema, Ambassadors Taylor and Ashabi explained, signified the depth of the Ooni’s recognition of the Air Peace boss’ contributions to the development of the Yoruba nation.

They described the gift as one of the most prized assets of Ife.

Responding, Onyema said the Ooni’s gesture was a challenge to continue to work for the development and peace of the Yoruba nation and the country as a whole.

He expressed gratitude to the royal father for recognising excellence beyond ethnic considerations, urging Nigerians to emulate the Ooni’s example to guarantee the oneness, peace and development of the country.

Air Peace, he said, was established to create massive job opportunities, seamlessly connect business and leisure travellers to their destinations and ensure that the country was adequately represented in the global aviation community.

Air Peace currently operates into and out of 14 domestic and five regional destinations, including Accra, Freetown, Banjul, Monrovia and Dakar.

It is also concluding the process of launching its long-haul flights to Dubai, Sharjah, London, Houston, Guangzhou-China, Mumbai and Johannesburg. 

The carrier, which recently penned a deal with American planemaker for the delivery of 10 brand new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft, is now the biggest airline in West Africa.

Dana Air Wins Best Domestic Airline on Passenger Facilitation

Dana Air has won the award for the Best Domestic Airline on Passenger facilitation at the 2018 edition of the Nigerian Aviation Awards (NIGAV), held recently at Oriental Hotel Lagos.

The Nigerian Aviation Awards is Nigeria’s most prestigious air transport development award which has become the benchmark for excellence in promoting best practices and innovation among Foreign and domestic airlines, service providers and aviation agencies in Nigeria.

Mr Fortune Idu, the Head of Planning and Event Committee, of the Nigerian Aviation Awards in his opening remarks said over 100 recipients have so far been honored in various categories for their performance, excellence, innovation and professionalism and we will continue to recognize them as this is the only way to encourage them to continue on the path of excellence.’’

The Commissioner of the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), Mr Akin Olateru, while presenting the award to Dana Air, described the airline as vibrant and always doing great things. The AIB Chief, who also won the Aviation CEO of the year award, encouraged the airline to continue offering its guests the best of service.’’

The Media and Communications Manager of Dana Air, Kingsley Ezenwa while speaking to newsmen after the award described it as an end of the year brace. He said the airline keeps innovating for the sake of its passengers and the award was a good way to end the year 2018.

‘I will describe this award as a brace! What an amazing way to end the year for an airline that continues to innovate for the purpose of surpassing the flying aspirations of its guests. This award is quite encouraging for us and this will spur us to continue offering our guests what they desire and these includes offering them pocket-friendly fares, Good customer service, On time departures and arrivals, innovative reward system, world-class in-flight service and above all taking them from point A to B safely.’’

Only recently, Dana Air bagged two awards as Best Domestic Airline at DAMA awards and another for its humanitarian efforts across the country. The airline recently celebrated 10 years of service to Nigeria with a promise to cover more cities and acquire more aircraft in the coming year.

Air Peace clears air on Lagos-Enugu flight incident

Air Peace has dismissed reports alleging that one of its aircraft almost crashed on the Lagos-Enugu route on Friday, describing the claims as an unfortunate misrepresentation of facts.

A statement issued by the airline’s Corporate Communications Manager, Mr Chris Iwarah on Monday said the aircraft experienced a change in cabin pressure en-route to Enugu and its flight crew had to do the normal technical manoeuvre by descending to a level comfortable enough for passengers on board.

The carrier debunked insinuations that the aircraft involved in the incident might not have been properly maintained, explaining that the aircraft secured a renewal of its certificate of airworthiness (C of A) on December 10.

The aircraft, the airline added, also went for its mandatory comprehensive maintenance checks (C-checks) abroad and got its certificate of release to service (CRS) in September 2017.

C-checks are normally done on aircraft every 18 months. At the end of the checks, a CRS is issued to confirm the maintenance done.

Air Peace insisted that its aircraft were not only maintained at some of the best facilities in the world, but also had a reputation for spending millions of dollars on each C-check exercise to ensure its aircraft were in top shape because of the premium it placed on the lives of its customers and crew. 

The carrier said in line with its strict maintenance and safety standards, it had retained the services of BCT Aviation of the United Kingdom for its routine maintenance programme on ground its base in Lagos 24 hours of the day throughout the year.

The airline described change in cabin pressure as a common occurrence in aviation across the world, including Europe and America.

“On Friday, December 14, 2018, our Lagos-Enugu flight experienced a change in cabin pressure. Where there is a change in cabin pressure, the oxygen masks will automatically drop from the panel for use by passengers on board the aircraft. This exactly was what happened on Friday.

"During safety briefings, passengers are advised to pull on the mask to trigger the flow of oxygen. The flow of oxygen is expected to last about 12 minutes within which the flight crew would descend to a comfortable altitude (usually below 10000 feet above sea level).

"Change in cabin pressure is a common occurrence in aviation across the world, including the UK and America.

“Once there was a change in cabin pressure, the oxygen masks on the aircraft automatically deployed. And in line with standard safety procedure, our flight crew performed a technical manoeuvre by descending to a level comfortable enough for passengers on board.

"We, however, observed cases of some passengers who did not properly fit their oxygen masks. A few others, perhaps out of panic, pulled too hard on the oxygen masks, causing the equipment to snap.

" This led to the unfortunate claims that there was no flow of oxygen from the masks. For the avoidance of doubt, the oxygen generators are part of the items of interest during C-checks. So, it could not have been right that there was no flow of oxygen.

“While it is quite expected and understandable that passengers would panic on occurrence of incidents such as a change in cabin pressure, the claims of a near-crash were a regrettable misrepresentation of facts which really should not be.

"The aircraft was ferried from Enugu back to Lagos in less than an hour of safely landing at destination. Certainly, no crew would fly an aircraft that is not airworthy.

The aircraft involved in the incident had its certificate of airworthiness renewed on Monday, December 10, 2018. The aircraft also went for its mandatory comprehensive maintenance checks (C-checks) abroad and got its certificate of release to service (CRS) in September 2017. C-checks are usually done on aircraft every 18 months. At the end of the checks, a CRS is issued as evidence of the maintenance done.

" In line with our strict maintenance and safety standards, we retain the services of BCT Aviation of the United Kingdom for our routine maintenance programme on ground our base in Lagos 24 hours of the day throughout the year. 

“We sincerely regret the inconvenience caused our loyal customers as a result of the incident and wish to reassure them that we place huge premium on the lives of our esteemed guests and crew and will never do anything to put them in harm’s way.

"We have had four years of accident-free flight operations and we are very determined to sustain our reputation and record. We thank members of the public for their generous show of love and trust in us to continue to deliver exceptional, safe and comfortable flight services to them,” Air Peace said.

Dana Air bags two crew proficiency awards

 Dana Air has shown clear leadership in crew professionalism among domestic airlines in Nigeria as it crew clinched the Excellent Crew Professionalism Award, and Cabin Crew Excellent Award at the Nigerian Aviation Business Exhibition 2018 and Cabin Crew fair 2018 held in Lagos recently.

The Aviation Business and Exhibition 2018 and the Cabin Crew Fair 2018 organised by Mamanaviworld and Mama J Aviation Consult respectively, are platforms designed for stakeholders to deliberate on industry best practices, human capacity development and way forward for Nigeria’s aviation industry.

Commenting on the double crew excellence awards, the Chief Operating Officer of Dana Air Mr Obi Mbanuzuo said, ‘Dana Air is proud of the level of professionalism that our crew have exhibited in the last 10 years of our operation.

"They have been highly trained and these awards are testament to the level of courtesy and professionalism they bring to bear in not just ensuring the comfort of our guests but as safety officers.’’

Speaking further, Obi said, recently, we reaffirmed our commitment to professionalism in the industry with our sponsorship of the first-ever cabin crew reality TV show in partnership with the Crew Training Institute, and this is part of our commitment to train and impact prerequisite knowledge and soft skills needed for aspiring cabin crew.’’

He noted that the Dana Air crew also made the airline proud at the last two editions of the Nigerian Aviation Awards where one of its cabin crew members, Joy Louis, bagged the Air Crew of the year award for her human relations and efficiency, while two other members of the airline’s crew (Collins Ginika and Chiogo Okani ) beat other domestic airlines crew to the King and Queen of the Air contest crown. 

Obi maintained that Dana Air will continue to be a leading light and will to do its best to encourage best practices and professionalism in the industry.   

Dana Air recently celebrated 10 years of service to Nigeria with a record breaking load factor, an unrivaled on-time performance, world-class in-flight service and customer-centric products and services 

Flight shortage: Air Peace pledges to rescue travellers with more flights

Air Peace on Thursday urged members of the flying public not to panic over the shortage of scheduled flights on domestic routes, assuring that it would soon deploy more aircraft to service destinations currently experiencing air travel difficulties.

A statement issued by Air Peace Corporate Communications Manager, Mr Chris Iwarah said the carrier was concerned about reports of shortage of scheduled flights across the country and was ready to do everything within its capacity to ease the pain of air travellers.

The airline confirmed that the nation had been facing air travel difficulties since it reviewed its flight schedule downward on account of five of its aircraft it pulled out of service and sent abroad for C-check.

“In the last few weeks, we have been inundated with demands for flights by members of the flying public who wish to travel but could not secure seats as almost all our flights on major domestic routes are fully booked. We are genuinely concerned about the plight of the travelling public and sincerely empathise with them.

“The situation became dire after we recently pulled out five of our aircraft from service for maintenance abroad and had to necessarily review our flight schedule downward to avoid delaying our valued customers.

"A check on our reservation platform indicates that almost all our flights are fully booked till the end of the year.

“We, however, are aware of the role we play in ensuring seamless air travel in Nigeria and are not going to let down our dear country and members of the flying public now that they need us the most.

"We urge members of the flying public not to entertain any fear. Beginning from Sunday, most of our aircraft that went for C-check will start to return to join our operations.

"We are soon going to schedule more flights and deploy more aircraft across our domestic routes.

“We have also made plans to cater to the upsurge expected during the Yuletide. A lot of flights would be scheduled from around December 17 to seamlessly take those travelling for Christmas and the New Year to their destinations.

"As an airline that prioritises safety and places a premium on the lives of our valued guests and crew, we have undertaken comprehensive maintenance of most of our aircraft to ensure their readiness for our end-of-year operations.

"This is the least we can do for our esteemed customers and nation for their support for us. We will do everything within our capacity to rise to the challenge of air travel currently facing our nation and deliver exceptional service that is sure to leave the flying public truly comfortable, proud and satisfied,” Air Peace assured.

Air Peace boss tasks cabin crew members on customer service

The Chairman of Air Peace, Dr Allen Onyema has urged cabin crew members to deepen their customer service and crisis management skills to forge a better relationship between airlines and their passengers.

Onyema made the call at the 2nd Cabin Crew Fair 2018 organised by MamaJ Aviation Consult Limited at the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) Annex, Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA), Lagos on Saturday.

In a related development, the Air Peace boss and the carrier’s Cabin Services Manager, Florence Opia have been honoured with the Outstanding Aviation Personality of the Year and the Cabin Crew Excellence awards respectively.

Delivering the keynote address at Cabin Crew Fair with the theme: “Raising the Bar of the Cabin Crew Profession,” Onyema commended Nigerian cabin crew members for acquitting themselves creditably in their primary roles of ensuring the safety, security and comfort of air travellers.

He, however, urged Nigerian cabin crew members to do much more in delivering top-notch customer service throughout their flights and learn to de-escalate crises before they degenerate.

The Air Peace chairman, who was represented by the airline’s Corporate Communications Manager, Mr. Chris Iwarah, said cabin crew members were a critical link between an airline and its passengers.

Where cabin crew members failed to provide good customer service, he warned, an airline would be negatively impacted no matter the quality of its flight services.

He urged Nigerian cabin crew members to be proud of their origin and project the beautiful cultures of their country in everything they do, including their communication style.

Onyema confirmed that Air Peace had provided employment for almost 300 cabin crew members, pledging to continue to provide opportunities for Nigerians to exhibit their skills and make the nation proud in the global aviation industry.

He commended the Chief Executive Officer of MamaJ Aviation Consult Limited, Joy Ogbebor for working tirelessly to promote Nigerian cabin crew members and deepen standards in the profession in the country. Onyema urged cabin crew members to emulate the fine standards represented by Ogbebor.

Meanwhile, Onyema and Air Peace Cabin Services Manager, Florence Opia have received MamaJ Aviation Consult Limited’s Outstanding Aviation Personality of the Year and Cabin Crew Excellence awards respectively.

Chief Executive Officer of MamaJ Aviation Consult Limited, Joy Ogbebor said Onyema was honoured for immensely supporting the “development of the cabin crew profession and provision of job opportunities to the highest number of cabin crew members in the industry.”

She said Opia was recognised for her role in “management training monitoring, mentoring and motivation of cabin crew members to meet safety standards and deliver excellent service.”

Dana Air celebrates 10 years of service to Nigeria

Dana Air has marked its 10th anniversary in Nigeria’s aviation industry with a strong commitment to continue to offer its guests the best of service hinged on safety and customer satisfaction.

The Chief Operating Officer of Dana Air Mr Obi Mbanuzuo, gave the assurance while speaking with newsmen on Monday in Lagos to mark  the airline's 10th anniversary of operations in Nigeria. 

The carrier started flight operations on Nov. 10,2008 and has flown over 2.7 million passengers since then. 

Mbanuzuo said Dana Air was proud to be celebrating 10 years of providing massive job opportunities, capacity development, training and  broad corporate social responsibility and most of all, amazing  flight service to Nigeria and Nigerians.

He said :"When we commenced operations 10 years ago, our desire was change the convention and exceed the flying aspiration of our guests with our world-class services 

"Today, with the support and loyalty of our esteemed guests, we have been able to achieve 10 years of service to Nigerians.

‘’As you may be aware, we are about the second private domestic airline in Nigeria’s history to achieve this feat, and it’s on record that over 60 airlines have gone under without being able to even survive even five years in the industry.

" It hasn’t been easy as we have had to grapple with a lot of challenges in the last 10 years ranging from infrastructure, multiple taxes, and high cost of aviation fuel, but we are delighted to have been able to brave the storm.

" I must say our commitment, proficient management style, high standards, and passion for excellence brought us this far."

Mbanuzuo said the airline had done a lot through its CSR programme (Dana Foundation) which had helped to raise millions of naira for the sickle cell foundation in Lagos, as well as autism patients.

" We have also supported a couple of other similar organisations like Rotary Club on blood donation and cancer fighting organizations like project PinkBlue, Children Living with Cancer Foundation just to mention a few," he added. 

Commenting on the airline’s sponsorship of two Nigerian clubs, Mbanuozo said Dana Air was  the only Nigerian airline at the moment sponsoring two Nigerian league clubs- Heartland FC of Owerri and Akwa United FC in Akwa Ibom State.

He said the airline had also  made significant and firm progress in its strategic route and fleet expansion programme.

 The accountable manager said: "Our good understanding of the workings of the industry has been an added advantage and very soon we will announce the steps and progress made. It is our desire to cover more cities in Nigeria but we have to be strategic about it.

"Having flown over 2.7m passengers in the last 10 years of our operations with an on-time performance and  a world-class in-flight service that is yet to be unrivaled, our desire is to do another 10 years offering Nigerians the best of service hinged on customer satisfaction and safety. " 

Air Peace marks 4th anniversary with gifts to passengers

West Africa’s leading carrier, Air Peace on Wednesday wove the celebration of the fourth anniversary of its flight operations around rewarding the loyalty of its customers with gifts ranging from free tickets to souvenirs and improved inflight refreshment.

In a related development, members of the flying public and aviation players have commended the carrier for leading efforts to transform air travel in Nigeria and the West Coast of Africa.

A statement signed by the Chief Operating Officer, Mrs Oluwatoyin Olajide said the airline centred the celebration of the fourth anniversary of its flight operations on members of the flying public as a mark of the premium it placed on them as the core of its business.

“Running an airline anywhere around the world is quite a challenge. But our wonderful guests have made the four years of our flight operations a very pleasant experience.

"From seven aircraft and five routes at launch of our operations on Oct. 24, 2014, our valued guests have supported us all the way to the top spot of the aviation business in Nigeria and the West Coast of Africa.

"Today, we operate into 14 domestic and five regional destinations, with plans for the launch of our long-haul flights to Dubai, Sharjah, London, Houston, Guangzhou-China, Mumbai and Johannesburg nearing completion.

" From seven aircraft at launch, we now have a fleet of over 24 aircraft, excluding the 10 brand new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft we recently ordered.

“In four years, we have scored a number of firsts and set a multitude of records in the aviation industry in Nigeria and the West Coast of Africa, including the acquisition as well as registration of Nigeria’s first Boeing 777 and setting up of a subsidiary, Air Peace Hopper to organise our effort to seamlessly connect unserved and underserved domestic and regional routes under our no-city-left-behind project.

“On the economic front, we have created thousands of direct and indirect jobs for members of the public without discrimination on the bases of gender, religion, creed and tribe. We have done a whole lot in unifying Nigeria through air travel and positively impacted the economies of the country and its regional counterparts.

“All this would have been impossible without the patronage, support and loyalty of our valued customers. That was why we decided that our fourth anniversary be devoted to celebrating them.

"We see a very bright future and we assure of better days ahead for members of the flying public as we continue to strive for greater ways of delivering safe, comfortable and exception flight services.”

The airline, it was gathered, gave passengers who flew on its fourth anniversary gifts, including power banks, bluetooth speakers, USB flash drives and pens.

The airline also allocated a number of free tickets to be won by its customers and members of the public participating in its social media engagements.

The airline, reports said, also raised the quality of refreshment served on its flights.

Meanwhile, members of the public have commended Air Peace for distinguishing itself through the delivery of exceptional flight services in Nigeria and West Africa.
Speaking on the flight operations of Air Peace, Senator Chris Adighije and Sir Jude Ejiogu, who were on the airline’s Owerri-Abuja service on Wednesday, said it had acquitted itself creditably despite the difficulties of running an airline.
For its part, the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc (NAHCO) praised the Chairman of Air Peace, Mr. Allen Onyema and his team for working tirelessly to transform air travel in Nigeria.
In a letter signed by the Chairman of the Board of Directors of NAHCO, Arc Usman Arabi Bello and addressed to Air Peace chairman, the company said: “We congratulate you on four years of non-stop and consistent flying activities, which have seen Air Peace grow its fleet, routes and frequencies within and outside Nigeria.
“This growth is a clear testament of the resilience of the Air Peace Team and manifestation of your efforts to transform air travel in Nigeria.”
In his own comments, the Airport Manager of Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport, Owerri, Mr. Henry Efobi said the carrier had surpassed expectations of the public in four years.

Dana Air partners NESG for 24th Nigerian economic summit

Dana Air has announced that it is partnering with the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) towards the success of the 24^th Nigerian Economic Summit holding at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja from 22^nd to 23^rd October 2018.

 

This year’s summit with the theme: Poverty to prosperity: Making Governance and Institutions Work, will provide a forum for policy makers and captains of industry from both private and public sectors of the Nigerian economy as well as academia, civil society organizations and development partners to interact and share thoughts on key issues and challenges facing the Nigerian economy.

 

Commenting on the partnership, the Communications Manager of Dana Air, Kingsley Ezenwa said, ‘we are proud to have become a key partaker and contributor to the success of a think-tank initiative such as the Nigerian Economic summit and it is coming up at a time when the issue of good governance and economic inclusion has become an existential one for our nation.’’

 

As airline partner of the 24^th Nigerian Economic Summit, Dana Air is providing a special discount to guests and delegates to facilitate their transportation to the summit in Abuja.

 

NES#24 is structured around five key pillars of inputs and outcomes that will serve as the summit’s sub themes: Corruption and Rule of law, Effective Public Institutions, Sustainable Economic Opportunities, Human Development, Participation and Citizens’ Rights.

 

Other sessions will include: Effective Public Institutions, Sustainable Economic Opportunities, mobilization and Venture Networking.  

 

Having flown over 2.7 million passengers in the last 9 years of its operations, Dana Air is one of Nigeria’s leading airlines reputed for its world-class in-flight service, innovative online products and services and unrivaled on time departures. 

Dana Air reaffirms commitment to youth empowerment

Nigerian carrier, Dana Air, has reaffirmed its commitment to youth empowerment and professionalism in the aviation industry with her sponsorship of the first ever Cabin Crew Contest in Sub Saharan Africa.

The Chief Operating Officer of Dana Air , Mr Obi Mbanuzuo, announced the airline's sponsorship of the event to newsmen on Wednesday in Lagos. 

The competition is an initiative of the Crew Training Institute (CTI), inaugurated on Nov. 18,2016 to train and impact prerequisite knowledge and soft skills needed for aspiring cabin crew.

Mbanuzuo said Dana Air had scored another first in the aviation industry for headlining the sponsorship of the first ever cabin crew contest in Africa. 

He said :"We are boundless in our orientation as an airline and we will continue to impact the industry, aspiring aviators and of course our guests positively as always.

 "When we decided to sponsor the contest, we considered the fact that somebody will be empowered and exposed.

"We also considered the platform it will give aspiring aviators and we felt it was another opportunity for the flying public to have a better perception and understanding of the industry."

Also speaking on the initiative, the CEO of  Crew Training Institute, Mrs Katheryn Lademo, commended Dana Air for taking the challenge of sponsoring the contest. 

Lademo explained that the initiative was  a contest where cabin crew aspirants were put through a screening process to select the finest cabin crew talent who will emerge as "THE CABIN CREW". 

"The winner wins a cabin crew job, a trip to South Africa to experience crew lifestyle and finishing school training at Crew Training Institute.

" ‘The primary focus of this annual TV show is to promote youth development and job creation for the teaming population of youth who are desirous to start a career in the aviation sector as cabin crew," she added. 

Nigeria Airways pensioners verification exercise in Pics

Pictures from the ongoing verification of ex-workers of the defunct Nigeria Airways at the Skypower Catering Services Limited, Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos

Air Peace assures customers as Asaba flight operations resume

Nigeria’s leading carrier, Air Peace on Monday made good its promise to resume its Lagos-Asaba-Lagos operations with the addition of Abuja-Asaba-Abuja to the service, pledging to deliver the best flight experience to the travelling public on the routes.

The airline, which pulled out of the route more than two years ago due to safety concerns with respect to the runway of the Asaba Airport, said it was delighted to return to the Asaba route to end the hardship travellers had contended with since its exit.

Meanwhile, Delta State First Lady, Mrs. Edith Okowa and the Special Project Director, Asaba Airport, Mr Austin Ayemidejor have assured Air Peace that its return to the Asaba route would be a success story. 

Speaking moments after the relaunch flight touched down at the Asaba Airport, Air Peace Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Mr Allen Onyema said the carrier had proved in four years of its flight operations that it was in the airline business to make a difference.

He praised Delta State Governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa for intervening in the challenges of the Asaba Airport and making sure it was once again safe for flight operations. 

He said he was personally attached to the state, where he grew up. He added that the airline planned to add Warri to its Delta operations soon. 

Onyema, who was represented by the airline’s Corporate Communications Manager, Mr Chris Iwarah, said: “About three years ago, we took the painful decision to suspend our flights into the Asaba Airport. It was not an easy path to go for us.

" But Air Peace is a place where matters bordering on safety are regarded with uncompromising discipline. We, therefore, had no choice than to halt our Asaba operations when audits confirmed that it was no longer safe for us to operate into the facility with our fleet of Boeing 737 aircraft. 

"That decision brought a lot of pain to the flying public, who however showed understanding. Today, we are glad that all that hardship has finally come to an end. Your darling airline, Air Peace is back to you, the good people of Delta. 

“We are indeed very grateful to His Excellency, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, the Governor of Delta State for fixing the challenges with the Asaba Airport and making it possible for us once more to serve the flying public on the Asaba route.

" For the trouble the flying public went through on the Asaba route for about three years, we have decided to give double of our exceptional flight services.

l We have added Abuja-Asaba-Abuja to the service. We are soon going to triple this with the addition of Warri to our route network. We promise you nothing but the best of flight services.” 

On her part, Delta State First Lady, Mrs Edith Okowa, who was personally at the airport to welcome the Air Peace team, said the state was pleased with the decision of the airline to return to the Asaba route. 

Air Peace, she said, would be supported to succeed in Delta.

Also speaking, Special Project Director, Asaba Airport, Mr. Austine Ayemidejor assured that the facility was now safe for flight operations. He said work was nearing completion on facilities for handling wide-body aircraft at the airport.

Responding, Air Peace Chief Pilot and team leader, Capt. Victor Egonu said the airline was satisfied with the facilities at the airport for flight operations.

In his own comments, Air Peace Brand Ambassador, K-Cee thanked the Okowas and the management of the Asaba Airport for according the carrier a warm welcome. 

He assured that the airline would not disappoint in its Asaba flight operations

Dana Air, Radisson Blu Partnership excites guests

Dana Air has partnered Radisson Blu Anchorage to offer its guests an exciting package when they fly from any of its destinations – Owerri, Abuja, PortHarcourt and Uyo to its hub in Lagos.

According to the Media and Communications Manager of Dana Air, Mr Kingsley Ezenwa, the airline’s guests can now enjoy an amazing weekend getaway at Radisson Blu Anchorage hotel Victoria Island Lagos.

‘’We are pleased to announce our partnership with Radisson Blu Anchorage to offer our guests an exciting total package when they fly from any of our destinations to Lagos.  

‘’The package which is valid till December 31^st 2018, comes with very good discount per booking and  complimentary breakfast for two, amazing discounts at voyage restaurant and Spa.’’

Kingsley noted that the airline had to enter into a partnership with another brand reputed for its world-class services just to offer its guests a whole new getaway experience and the feeling that comes with flying the smartest way.

‘This is what is expected of a smart airline anywhere in the world. Guests should be able to book and get other value-added services based on the customer-centric partnerships of the airline. These packages or benefits could come in form of cab services, hotel booking or shopping deals. 

Interested passengers are expected to provide Dana Air boarding passes of recent trips at least 48 hours to making their reservation or send a  mail reservation.lagos@radissonblu.com ordanamiles@flydanaair.com for details.’’

Also speaking at the min-event in Lagos , a Dana Air passenger, Chibuike Ememta said, this is sure an exciting time for us as loyal guests of Dana Air. Before now, you fly into Lagos and begin to search for a hotel but with this partnership, you can arrange your gateway ahead and relax. More exciting is the fact that it extends till December.''

Meanwhile, Dana Air has rewarded the winners of its explore Nigeria campaign across Nigeria. The campaign which entails youths between 18-30 to do a video and market Nigeria’s tourist attractions at their various locations across Nigeria was in collaboration with Kinabuti, the producers of Dare2dream; a Dana Air sponsored youth empowerment and reality TV initiative.

Dana Air is expected sponsor the trips of the winners to the various destinations of their choice. 

Minimum wage : Unions disrupt flights at Lagos airport

Some members of aviation unions who are affiliates of the Nigerian Labour Congress and the United Labour Congress on Friday disrupted flight operations for over four hours at the General Aviation Terminal of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos. 

The unions who are demanding for the implementation of the new National Minimum Wage stormed the airport in their numbers and prevented passengers from checking in for their flights. 

The unions in the sector are: the Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) and the National Union of Air Transport Employees (NUATE).

Others are the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) and the Association of Nigerian Aviation Professionals (ANAP).

The airlines affected by the action were Air Peace and Arik Air at the GAT which led to confrontations between the airlines officials and the unionists. 

Reacting to the development, 

Mr Chris Iwarah, Corporate Communications Manager, Air Peace, described the unions action as totally uncalled for because the airline's staffers did not belong to any labour organisation. 

Iwarah said all the airlines morning flight schedule was affected by the restriction of passengers' access to the GAT by the airline. 

He said :" Early this morning, some members of the aviation unions barricaded our terminal and prevented our guests from flying in protest for the implementation of the national minimum wage. 

"This is very unfortunate because they have no right to force our workers to join unions or join their agitations for increased pay. 

"We don't know how your increased pay will benefit us as a people in Air Peace. So,  going to stop our operations is simply an act of provocation and they have no such rights."

However, the spokesperson for the Lagos Airport Police Command, DSP Joseph Alabi, said security operatives were alerted of the situation and quickly restored order.

"Our men are on ground and everywhere is calm. The unions are not preventing people from boarding and the airlines are carrying out their operations without any hindrance," Alabi said. 

The organised labour had called for a nationwide warning strike effective midnight Sept. 26 to press home their demands for the increment of the minimum wage. 

For the second day running, the unions in compliance with the directive,  had

barricaded the offices of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria and the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency.

Also shut down were the headquarters of the Accident Investigation Bureau and the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority. 

The unions, in a joint statement said the general strike in the sector would begin on Oct. 2 due to the ongoing NUATE delegate conference in Asaba,  Delta State.

The statement was signed by Mr  Mohammed Safiyanu and Mr Olayinka Abioye, President and General Secretary, NUATE and Mr Illitrus Ahmadu and Mr Frances Akinjole, President and General Secretary, ATSSAN.

Other signatories were Mr Abednego Galadima and Mr Ocheme Aba, President and General Secretary, NAAPE and Mr Yahaya Gusau and Mr Rasaq Saidu ,  President and General Secretary, ANAP.

Arik Air celebrates Nigeria’s Independence with 250 free tickets

Arik Air, Nigeria’s leading airline is giving away 250 free tickets on October 1, 2018 to celebrate Nigeria’s 58^th Independence anniversary.

Customers flying Arik Air on Monday, October 1 have the opportunity of winning complimentary tickets on board as five one-way economy class tickets will be raffled on each and every flight of the day.

In the course of the day’s flights, the crew will conduct a raffle using the seat numbers to draw five winners on each flight for the free one-way economy class domestic tickets.

Speaking on the Independence offer, Arik Air’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Captain Roy Ilegbodu said: “Arik Air is a wholly Nigerian airline and the independence anniversary of the country is an auspicious occasion to appreciate our customers for their loyalty.

“We wish all Nigerians a Happy Independence Anniversary”.

Arik Air is one of the oldest commercial airlines operating in Nigeria. The airline will be celebrating its 12^th anniversary on October 30, 2018.

Air Peace boss says airline to begin flights to Dubai, Sharjah in November

Mr Allen Onyema, the Chairman of Air Peace, says the airline will begin flight operations to the cities of Dubai and Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates before the end of November. 

Onyema made the announcement during an interactive session with newsmen on Friday in Lagos. 

Onyema commended the Federal Government for taking the bold decision to suspend the new national carrier project which was a welcomed development to airline operators. 

"It was a bold move by the government and the president did not care about political correctness.

"The decision is therefore a challenge to Air Peace and other Nigerian airlines to rise up to the occasion to fill the void created by the absence of a national carrier," he said. 

According to him, the airline which recently ordered for 10 brand new B737 Max aircraft from Boeing to take its aircraft fleet to 37, is ready to make Nigeria proud on the international routes. 

"We are going to start flights to Dubai and Sharjah before the end of November. We have already acquired four B777 aircraft for that purpose. 

"We are also working on getting permits to begin operations to Houston, London,  Mumbai, Guangzhou-China and Johannesburg," he said. 

Onyema thanked the federal government for granting the approval for the airline to begin operations on the six international destinations but noted that the government needs to protect Nigerian airlines from international aero politics.

He said for instance, no Nigeria airline was currently flying to Europe, America, Middle East and Asia while those operating even within Africa were also being frustrated by some governments.

Onyema said :"Air Peace has lost over N1 billion in six months of flying the West Coast of Africa due to excessive aviation charges by the countries we are flying into. 

"What we are making here is being used to sustain our operations on these routes because we know we have to develop and maintain consistency on them to keep going. 

"However, the airlines from these countries come into Nigeria even on multiple routes and they pay very little to our own government. So, there must be reciprocity of charges .

"It is not just enough for government to give approval for Nigerian carriers to operate abroad but the government should facilitate the fast tracking of their permits and also ensure that they are not frustrated by international aero politics. 

The Air Peace boss maintained that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari had been supportive to Nigerian airlines especially with the waiver on importation of aircraft spares and Value Added Tax (VAT). 

He, however urged the government to review the multiple entry granted to foreign airlines and also concession the airports to make them at par with their contemporaries across the world.

Air Peace relaunches Asaba route October 8, adds Abuja to service

Nigeria’s leading carrier, Air Peace has unveiled plans to restart its daily Lagos-Asaba-Lagos flight operations on October 8.

The airline, which pulled out of the route more than two years ago due to safety concerns with respect to the runway of the Asaba Airport, said it would also add Abuja-Asaba-Abuja flights to the service.

A statement signed by Air Peace Corporate Communications Manager, Mr Chris Iwarah said the airline decided to return to the Asaba route to end the nightmare of air travellers seeking to connect the Delta State capital, Anambra and other adjoining cities.

Air Peace, the statement assured, was going to offer unparalleled on-time, convenient, safe and affordable flight services on the Lagos-Asaba-Lagos and Abuja-Asaba-Abuja routes.

“We are pleased to announce our return to the capital of Delta State, Asaba starting October 8, 2018. Air Peace had to suspend flight operations to the Asaba Airport more than two years ago due to safety concerns with the facility.

“Since we suspended our operations to the airport, members of the flying public have inundated us with calls and appeals to return to end their nightmare on the route.

"While we could feel their pain, there really was not much we could do about it since our decision to pull out was anchored on safety, an issue we could never compromise.

“We are, however, thankful that the Delta State Government had to intervene to give the airport a facelift.

" We have been assured that the airport is now safe to operate into and we cannot but move in immediately to end the woes of members of the flying public wishing to travel to Asaba, Anambra and other connecting cities.

“We are not just restoring our daily Lagos-Asaba-Lagos service, we are also adding Abuja-Asaba-Abuja flights to the offering to meet the yearnings of members of the flying public.

"It promises to be quite an exciting time once more on the Asaba route beginning from October 8”, the statement said.

Dana Air Partners Project Pinkblue, U.S Embassy to train 44 Nigerian Doctors

Dana Air has deepened its Corporate Social Responsibility with the recent Medical oncology training of 44 Nigerian Doctors at the African University of Science and Technology (AUST), Abuja.

The Medical Oncology training held from  Aug. 13 to 25 and is in collaboration with Project Pinkblue, a nongovernmental organisation, U.S Embassy in Nigeria and the Federal Ministry of Health.

Speaking on the initiative, the Media and Communications Manager of Dana Air, Kingsley Ezenwa said, “Giving back to the society in which we operate is part of our secrets of success.

"We are committed to the health and wellbeing of Nigerians and this training is part of the Upgrade Oncology initiative focused on strengthening the capacities of oncology education, medical oncology curriculum, oncology infrastructures and cancer treatment in Nigeria.”

“The training was led by two U.S. based Fulbright Specialists-  Dr. Tracey O’Connor MD, a medical oncologist and associate professor at Rosswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York, USA and Dr. Mike Martin MD, medical oncologist and associate professor of Medicine at West Cancer Center, University of Tenesse, Memphis, TN, USA.’’

According to the Executive Director of Project PinkBlue, Mr Runcie Chidebe, The two U.S. based medical oncologists also trained 56 doctors and healthcare workers at Lagos University Teaching Hospital and the 44 oncologists were drawn from all the centres of excellence (CoE) hospitals, namely: University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, University of Port Teaching Hospital, Lagos University Teaching Hospital, University College Hospital, Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching Hospital, National Hospital Abuja, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Usman Danfodio Teaching Hospital, Ahmadu Bello Teaching Hospital, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre Gusau, Federal Medical Centre Bida,  Federal Medical Centre Abakaliki, and two private facilities namely Lakeshore Cancer Centre and  Asi Upko Diagnostic & Medical Centre.

Runcie while thanking Dana Air for its strong commitment to the fight against cancer in Nigeria since 2014 said “the fight against cancer cannot be won by using just one strategy, we must employ diversified strategies, and engage diversified stakeholders including the private sector.

" For instance, Dana Air has been supporting us since 2014, this is commendable! Let’s not be weary, let’s continue to support activities against cancer by all means possible”.

The Chief Medical Director of Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), Prof. Chris Bode who was present to supervise the training commended the initiative and was joined by other guests including  Prof. F.A. Durosinmi-Etti, professor of radiation oncology and the President of Cancer Education and Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria (CEAFON).

 Only recently, Dana Air bagged an award for its nationwide CSR initiatives as the Most Socially Responsible Airline by the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC).

The airline having flown over 2.7million passengers in the last 9 years of its operations is one of Nigeria’s leading airlines with daily flights from Lagos to Abuja, Port Harcourt, Uyo, and Owerri.

We represent Nigeria’s greatness, Air Peace tells Nigerians in Ghana

Nigeria's leading airline, Air Peace on Saturday assured Nigerians resident in Ghana that its strides in the aviation industry in West Africa are to project the image of the country positively across the world.

The airline made the declaration at the Nigerian Charity Bazaar hosted by the Nigerian High Commission in Ghana in collaboration with the Nigerian Women Association in Ghana, among other pro-Nigerian groups.

The bazaar was held at the Nigeria House, Accra to rally Nigerians from all walks of life and friends of Nigeria to celebrate the nation's unity in diversity and commitment to charity.

The event was graced by the Nigerian High Commissioner to Ghana, k

Ambassador Michael  Abikoye, the Ambassadors of Pakistan, India, China to Ghana, members of the diplomatic corps as well as leaders of the Nigerian community in Ghana.

 Speaking, Air Peace Corporate Communications Manager, Mr Chris Iwarah said the airline was changing the negative narrative about Nigeria through its exceptional flight services.

Iwarah, who addressed the diplomats and other dignitaries during a visit to Air Peace stands at the bazaar, said the airline had deepened its commitment to creation of seamless connections in Nigeria, Africa and the world with the signing of an agreement with Boeing for the delivery of 10 brand new Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft.

He said Air Peace was the first and only airline on the West Coast of Africa to order the state-of-the-art aircraft from Boeing. 

He assured that the carrier, which had so far taken delivery of two of the four Boeing 777 aircraft it recently acquired for its long-haul services to Houston, London, Dubai, Sharjah, Mumbai, Guangzhou-China and South Africa, would continue to strive to make Nigerians proud with its flight operations. 

Air Peace signs multi-million dollar agreement with Boeing, to purchase 10 B737 Max aircraft

Nigerian carrier, Air Peace  has signed a multi-million dollar agreement with aircraft manufacturers, The Boeing Company, for the purchase of 10 brand new B737 Max aircraft. 

The agreement was signed on Thursday at the United States Consulate in Lagos by the Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Mr Allen Onyema and Boeing Sales Director for West  and Central Africa, Mr Larry Tolliver. 

Speaking at the ceremony, Onyema said each of the Max B737 aircraft cost $113 million but Boeing was gracious to reduce it to an undisclosed amount for  Air Peace following series of negotiations. 

He said the procurement of the aircraft,which is the latest by Boeing, was being financed by Fidelity Bank and would be deployed for Air Peace international operations.

According to him,  the addition of the new planes, which will be delivered soon by Boeing, will increase Air Peace fleet to 37 aircraft in less than four years of operations. 

Onyema said :" We have just signed an order for 10 B737 aircraft from Boeing.  We are interested in creating employment for our people because one of the aircraft can create 500 jobs. 

"We are trying to curb insecurity by creating job opportunities for our people.  Air Peace currently has about 3,000 employees and I believe that is part of our contribution to national development."

He thanked the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration for the support given to Nigerian airlines, noting that the anti-corruption campaign of the government had improved the confidence of the international community on Nigerian businesses. 

Onyema, however appealed to the government to find ways of establishing local refineries in order to reduce the high cost of aviation fuel which was affecting the operations of airlines in the country. 

Also, the US Consul General,  Mr John Bray, said the agreement  between both companies would further deepen the relationship between Nigeria and the US. 

Bray said it was a win-win situation for both countries because the deal would create about 3,000 jobs in Nigeria while about 5,000 jobs in the manufacturing sector would be created in the US. 

On his part, Tolliver said the B373 Max aircraft was the fastest aircraft manufactured by Boeing and consumes about 40 per cent less fuel than other Boeing aircraft currently being used by Air Peace. 

He said the aircraft also had passenger appeal because of the modern facilities on-board, stressing that Boeing would be supporting Air  Peace with training and maintenance spares as part of the agreement.  

Speaking on the financing of the procurement, the Managing Director of Fidelity Bank, Mr Nnamdi Okonkwo,  said Air Peace had proven its integrity in previous loans given to the airline by the bank. 

He said :" We are proud to have Air Peace as a customer because the airline has integrity and has always paid ahead of time in previous aircraft purchases financed by Fidelity Bank. 

"I know some airlines have gone down in the past due to huge indebtedness to banks but I can tell you that Air Peace is not owing anybody and this is because of the prudence of the airline's management. "

The Federal Government has granted approval to Air Peace to begin  flights to six international destinations  which are London, Dubai, Sharjah, Guangzhou-China, Mumbai and Johannesburg in the next few months.

Dana Air Introduces ‘Smart Booking’ on WhatsApp

Dana Air, Nigeria’s most innovative airline has taken a bold step to revolutionize the ease of booking tickets with the introduction of the ‘smart booking’ on WhatsApp.

According to the airline, with the ‘Smart Booking’ on WhatsApp, guests of the airline can now book and pay immediately, book and pay later, register for Dana Miles or get details of their Dana miles account, get flight update, make inquiries, reservations and lots more.

Speaking on the airline’s cutting edge initiative in the aviation industry, The Accountable Manager/ Chief Operating officer of Dana Air, Mr Obi Mbanuzuo said, Dana Air continues to lead the pack with its innovative ways of getting customers to book with ease and take advantage of the multiple  benefits of interacting with us on our social media platforms especially WhatsApp." 

‘We are always seeking ways to ensure that we offer the best of service and that our customer-centric products appeals to everybody: the  elderly, young, middle-aged, funky, and the busy and all our guests need to do is save the mobile number 07051190363 as contact on their phones to get quick and necessary attention from 7am to 7pm daily’’

''For us, nothing stops you from getting a booking even when you have too many things to do. Just a chat and you will get your booking code to pay conveniently when less busy or before expiry on our website www.flydanaair.com or at any of sales outlets Nationwide.''

‘In 2017, when we launched our self-service kiosk located at MMA2, which enables travelers to book, pay, reschedule or check-in without joining the queue, we promised to continue to deploy necessary technology not just to guarantee ease of booking but to continually exceed the flying aspirations of our guests, and we are delighted to have introduced the smart booking in furtherance of our vision to become Nigeria’s most customer-friendly airline.’’

Dana Air is one of Nigeria’s leading airlines with daily flight from Lagos to Abuja, Port Harcourt, Uyo and Owerri. The airline is reputed for its innovative online products

Air Peace To Begin International Flights In November with Four B777 - Allen Onyema

The delivery of your first B777 was done in February and up till now, it has not taken to the sky. What is the issue?

There is no issue at all. You see. A lot of people are saying “Nigerian airlines are not doing well. They cannot compete at the local end, at the international scene, they disappoint passengers and disgrace the country.” Now, we have an airline that wants to get it right. It is true that our aircraft came in in February and up till now, it has not started. We do not want to do international operations with one aircraft. We may have problems if we do something like that. We want to be solid both at the local scene and at the international front. We want to make sure Nigerians are proud of their own. We want to make the international community not to have anything to hold on to, to fault us. So, we want to make sure that we put in place a solid structure for the upcoming international operations. These are the reasons why we have not started. We do not want to go in there (international operations) and come out. We want to make sure we have enough planes to do the international operations. You do not begin international operations with one aircraft. If the aircraft develop fault, what do you do? You disappoint passengers?  You don’t start international operations with even two, which is why we have acquired four (4) B777. We have not started because the others have not come in. And we do not want to rush it. This country should be proud of Air Peace. Enough of the de-marketing of Nigerian airlines. Air Peace has done something even the outside world have been full of commendation for this airline. I will tell you, all the major manufacturers of aircraft, seek to do business with Air Peace. There is no major vendor in the world-may be for spares or for engines, which do not seek to do business with Air Peace. There is no main aircraft dealer that does not seek to do business with Air Peace, because they have do their KYC (Know Your Customer); and they have seen that this company is built on solid integrity. So, it pains me when people in government are always saying “all Nigerian airlines are heavily indebted, are weak, and cannot do anything.”  It pains me and that should stop. We should stop de-marketing our own, because of certain reasons. Air Peace is not stopping anybody from doing anything. We should stop generalising. You could say some of the airlines, but do not say all the airlines. I take exception to that. So, we have not started international operations because we want to prove to the world that airline that is coming from Nigeria is ready to compete globally, for the right reasons. This is why we have not started. We are going to start this year, God willing. By then all our Four (4) B777 wide body aircraft must have come into the country. Then, we will start on a solid note. God forbid, if we have any issue with one aircraft, we will deploy another one.  Air Peace is strong, to God be the glory. The other day we went to Dakar, we had an issue with one aircraft, we do not take chance on anything, and we dispatched another aircraft immediately, because we have the fleet size to do these things. May be another airline would have disappointed passengers; but that is not Air Peace. We have a solid business plan and we are following our business plan. We are true to our banks. We want to make Nigerians proud. We want to become the most sorted after airline out of Nigeria.

Do you have any specific date that the remaining two B777 would come in for you to commence international operations?

There is no specific date. Hopefully, we will start operations in November. The remaining two would have come in.

NCAA recently released that you have airlifted over 340, 000 passengers between January to August. Will you say you are optimally utilising your fleet?

First of all, I do not agree with all that was released. I saw some airlines that I believe did not do what they said they did. I cannot see some of those airlines doing more than Arik did. That is my own take. I do not want to comment on other issues there but I cannot see any airline beside Air Peace having done more than Arik. So, if they said Air Peace is number one, the next one should have been Arik.  There is no way you can optimally use your planes in Nigeria. The airport infrastructure does not support that. And that is why we are saying, the first thing we should do in this country is to improve on our airport infrastructures. From check-in to flight navigational aids, making airport environment conducive, both for operators and passengers. The infrastructure is poor. There is no way airlines will optimally use their equipment. Air Peace has never, because many of the airports in Nigeria close shop at 6pm. So when they close shop at 6pm, where will you go to? Besides Lagos, Kano, Abuja and Port Harcourt; the rest close shop at 6pm. And these are parts of the causes of failure of airlines in Nigeria. It is a capital intensive business. Every penny counts. We must get our airport infrastructure right. It is not about saying Nigerian airlines are weak. I hate it, especially when it comes from government official-I do not find it funny. We should promote our own.  Bring the legacy airlines of this world to come and do domestic operations in Nigeria, they will pack up in 72 hours. We know what we go through.

As a member of IATA where you have 290 airlines, how are you looking at partnering with members of this group to strengthen your operations; because you are in that pool already?

Of course. Even within Nigeria, I have been trying to promote a kind of cooperation with airlines. Each time I try, I hit the brick wall. I have told some of my colleagues that the sky is big enough to accommodate everybody. People should not be looking at Air Peace with envy, they should look at what I am bringing to the table for everybody. We should cooperate more. God will help every airline. We can even do spares pooling. It will help airlines. A lot of distrust. You have a lot of people you cannot trust in the system; that is the truth.  You have a lot people who do not want to hear the truth. You have a lot of people who do not even want to advise government properly within our ranks as airline operators. And we should never blame government if they take any wrong decision at any time, because there are some of us within our ranks as AON (Airline Operators of Nigeria) who do not want to speak the truth that will help both government and and the flying public. Coming to the issue of IATA, Air Peace, like I said, is part  of the things that has not made us to hit the ground running with  our international operations. We do not want to go out there alone. We are seeking partnership with other foreign airlines. We do not want to do point to point. We want to be a one-stop shop airline for passengers. For example, if you are going to Europe, we are able to drop you in London, you should be able to take another of our partners immediately. Assuming you are going to Amsterdam and you use Air Peace to London, there should be another airline that will take our passengers from there to Amsterdam. If you are going to Malaysia, we drop you in Dubai, another airline should be able to take you from Dubai to Malaysia and collecting your luggage in Malaysia. These are the things we want to do. We have got some partnership and we have started integration but I am not going to name them. We have started integration with some foreign carriers-their IT and ours are doing the integration. At the right time, Nigerians are going to enjoy a world class carrier coming out of Nigeria in Air Peace.

What do you think government can do in partnership with airlines to increase the flying public, as we have less than 10 million Nigerians flying annually from the population of close to 200 million?

Nigerians get more comfortable when they are flying international airlines. They believe those ones maintain their aircraft better, because of the not too good incidents of the past.  A lot of people are sceptical about using of any of the domestic carriers.  Some will prefer to travel by road, 10 hours and even be at the mercy of kidnappers. They do not care, because they do not trust Nigerian airlines. Again Nigerian flying public believe that Nigerian airlines are ill-equipped and ill-maintained. Even those that agreed to fly, some of them would start praying four days before their flight. It is a matter of perception. Nigerian airlines are well-maintained because the NCAA (Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority) is on top of their game when it comes to the issue of maintenance. The NCAA is even over-doing it. So, some of the things they could take for granted abroad, we do not here. I speak for myself as Air Peace. First of all, I wanted to give Nigerians a platform by creating employment; that is why I created this airline. I am pro-Nigeria, I am pro-people. We have over 2,000 employees within a space of three years-direct jobs. I am not talking of indirect ones Air Peace created. If government officials over time, not only in this government, keep making statements that “Nigerian airlines are weak”, what do you expect the public to do? I challenge anybody to come and tell the world if Air Peace is weak. Air Peace is the fastest growing airline in the whole of Africa. The kind of money we spend in Air Peace when we go for maintenance, the legacy airlines of this world do not spend half of it. We spend close to $2.5 million to $3 million doing C-Checks and D-Checks in Air Peace. In the western part of this world, because they have everything around them, when they go for C-Checks, they can clear up to 6 months and come back later do the remaining maintenance. When I go for C-Checks, I remove everything (maintenance) up to 24 months. I make sure all the ADs (Airworthiness Directives) and the SBs (Service Bulletins) are observed. Even in America, they tell me that “you are overspending”. I have phobia for flying. It was until when I established Air Peace that I started flying with my entire family; my wife and four children, we travel on Air Peace together. What we are doing in Air Peace is unrivalled. I am not competing with Nigerian airlines, I want to compete with international airlines. That is why within two years, Air Peace received the IOSA (IATA Operational Safety Audit) certification, which is international standard attesting to our safety performance. Not only that, the issue is not even receiving IOSA Certification in the first place; retaining it is the biggest hurdle. Air Peace has retained it. You can find out from those who have not retained it, Air Peace is not within that bracket. We have retained it again and we are member of IATA within a space of two years. We deserve commendation from everybody including government. Some of the news I read do not make me happy and I will speak up. We should start praising our own when we get it right; not try to demean any airline. When we start letting the public know what we are doing and what other airlines are doing, I am not saying there may not be some who may want to cut corners-all I know is that NCAA at least to Air Peace is doing its job. We have been taken to the mills. If the same thing is being done to other airlines, nobody should fear in the Nigerian airspace. I am talking of what NCAA is doing with Air Peace and I like it. When I wanted to start, I decided to outsource my maintenance to a British company, that is why they are here 24/7. It costs us a lot to do that. We are doing it because of safety. When people know that Nigerian airlines have improved, they will fly. And the numbers flying would increase. But the perception has to be done put right. I know of one international airline, if the landing gear is retracting, it will be like earthquake. If that kind of airline comes to Nigeria domestic front, people will feel like jumping out of the plane. Because it is a foreign airline, nobody cares. An airline abroad could keep you inside the plane repairing their engine and all sort of things for three hours-with 99 per cent load factors as Nigerians, nobody talks. But the moment a Nigerian airlines sees sign in the cockpit saying “before we take off we need another 5 minutes to check the sign”, everybody will stand up saying “I want to come down”, pushing and shoving the cabin crew. Why are we doing this to ourselves? This is perception and it is rubbing off on passengers’ figures. If the perception changes, the numbers will go up.

None of Nigerian airlines is part of African Airline Association (AFRAA). What is happening?

AFRAA is just an association. It is not a regulatory body. You belonging to AFRAA does not necessarily give you any known edge. It is just an ordinary association. It is just like AON. I, belonging to AON does not give me any edge, except that it muscles its way on behalf of the airlines through advocacy and all that. You could be one of the unsafe airlines in the world and you still belong to AFRAA. It does not give you that edge. What gives you that edge is membership of IATA and being IOSA certified and that is most important thing. I am not a member of AFRAA, yet, all the major aircraft manufacturers are contacting us.

What date are you looking at to start to start your international operations in November?

We shall announce it when the time comes, but we are starting in November.

If you want to advice the Federal government of Nigeria of what to do to move the industry forward, what will it be?

The first thing is the improvement on airport infrastructure and aviation infrastructures generally. Improvement on them is very key. Don’t let anybody deceive you. This country will never be a hub to anybody or for anybody, except our airport infrastructures are improved upon.

Are you supporting the concessioning of the airports?

Of course. I support the Federal Government intention to concession the airports. I support it 100 per cent. The way the airports are being run now, we are not going to get there. You continue blaming the Nigerian airlines, where not going to get there. Government has no business doing business. So, government running the airports will not even help the government. The best airport in this country remains MMA2, being run by concessionaire.

So, why are you not using MMA2?

Why am I not using it? When Air Peace wanted to start, that was where I wanted to go, but some forces stopped us. It was not my fault. I could not force myself. I discovered that the management of Bi-courtney did not even know I was being stopped by somebody who was then acting. He was not acting in the best of their interest and it was not authorised. I was stopped from operating from MMA2 because I heard some people and airlines said, “If you allow them come in, we will move out”. So, I decided to move to the other side where one airline was occupying to join, I was stopped again. I was floating for months. They pointed to where I am today which was moribund. No live, nothing there. As a new airline, I was scared of going there, because nobody knew us. I wanted to be where other airlines are, so the crumbs from their plates may fall into my own plate. Several forces were working against me, but nobody is God. By now, anybody fighting Air Peace should know that this is God’s own airline. The intention behind setting up of Air Peace is noble.  About 200 orphans are working in Air Peace courtesy of my wife. People should go back to my speech at the inauguration on October 24, 2014. When they pushed us to where we are today, I held a pillar and I wept and prayed because of how they were treating me. Today, what is happening in that place? It took me almost two years to get AOC (Air Operator Certificate), even when I have seven aircraft on ground and everything going well for me. I believe in the oneness and unity of this country. I do not discriminate, but I have had a lot of discrimination against me. Why? Because of where I come from? So, I support concession. The Federal Government is doing right trying to concession the airports. However, I do not support anything that will make anybody loses his or her job. Whoever is going to get the concession should be able to absorb the workforce. Or, they should structure it with government in such a way that those who may not be able to be absorbed, may be taken to other government agencies. They need to concession the airports and the concessionaires should  be paying taxes to the government. Government will make more money that way.

Additions

We have over 100 pilots in Air Peace. We have trained so many pilots ab-initio, to type rating and line training. If you look at my employment policy, a lot people are wondering how we have succeeded; where other people have been failing. If you borrow money from the bank, will you transparently show that bank your book in other for them to get their money back?  Will you pay back what you are owing? Are you treating banks’ money as nobody’s money and having not intent to pay back? We do not do that. Do you own fuel marketers? Are fuel marketers ready to give you fuel even in ‘dry seasons’ when there is no fuel. These are the things going well for Air Peace. When we buy fuel, within 48 hours you must give us your invoice. As long as your invoice come, we pay. When banks loan money to us we pay. We are prudent in our spending. I do not have anybody coming after me. Because of that, my banks are ready to be financing my operations. Fidelity bank as I am talking to you is ready to go the whole haul with us. Some other banks are coming too-because they see that Fidelity is lending and enjoying it. They are lending to us and we are acquiring more aircraft. This is because the banks are supportive. This is because we have integrity. Last year Fidelity gave us about N10 billion in one transaction. I said no that I needed N3 billion out of it. The other N7 billion, I did not touch. At every point in time, I borrow which I can pay back. I try not to owe people unnecessarily. We don’t owe our staff. They are paid on the 25th of every month. This is how I have rolled since 1999 when I venture into business. We brought in on-time departure. People say, “But these days you people delay”. Why won’t we delay when we have over 1000 passengers in the morning and they need to use one security screening point? What do you expect? My pilots get to the airport 5.30am and sit in the cockpit waiting for passengers. Sometimes, delay happen as a result of weather condition. 

Air Peace flays Ojikutu over comments on acquisition of B777 aircraft

Nigeria’s leading carrier, Air Peace has condemned the Secretary General of the Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative (ASTRI), Mr John Ojikutu for alleging that domestic airlines’ outright acquisition of aircraft is a “clever way for (sic) capital fight”.

Speaking with a national newspaper on the operations of domestic airlines, Ojikutu was quoted as saying: “Something could be wrong with the decisions of those Nigerians in choosing outright buying (of aircraft).

“Believe it or not, it is a clever way for capital flight. Imagine an airline with two B777 paid for outright without designated routes! The cost of each of these aircraft is not less than $150 million.

“Even if the routes are certain, a better option would have been wet lease of about six months that would allow Nigerians to be trained, transferred to the aircraft and thereafter converted to dry lease for another six months. If the routes are unprofitable, the airline can go for outright purchase.”

But reacting to the comments in a statement issued by its Corporate Communications Manager, Mr. Chris Iwarah, Air Peace said Ojikutu’s position was an undisguised attack on its image as a responsible corporate citizen working flat out to contribute to Nigeria’s economy and do the nation proud through efficient domestic, regional and international air services.

The airline dismissed Ojikutu’s views on outright purchase of aircraft and the option of wet lease as a product of ignorance and envy. Air Peace recently took delivery of its second Boeing 777 aircraft for its planned long-haul operations.

“While we have no problem with people expressing differing opinions on the airline business, we find it quite irresponsible for Ojikutu to allege that our decision to make Nigeria proud with the recent acquisition of two Boeing 777 aircraft was a ‘clever way for (sic) capital fight.’ 

"This is a deliberate attempt to present us before members of the public as a fraudulent organisation working to sabotage and subvert the current efforts of the Federal Government to place the nation’s economy on a sound footing. 

"Even worse, he claimed that a Boeing 777 is sold for no less than $150 million. Nothing can be further from the truth. 

"And it is quite disappointing that a self-proclaimed aviation expert can make this kind of ignorant guesswork in an era where proper information is just a click away. It is no longer a secret that the so-called security expert has put himself at odds with the success of Air Peace and in satisfaction of his desire to bring domestic airlines down for his foreign paymasters and collaborators to continue to pillage the economy of our dear nation.

“It is elementary knowledge that the option of wet lease has brought a lot of Nigerian airlines and their counterparts elsewhere down. 

"We begin to wonder the motivation for Ojikutu’s comments. When Air Peace went public with the number of aircraft in its fleet, the same so-called security expert doubted it and tried in vain to discredit us as purveyors of falsehood. Now that the aircraft are coming in, he is changing the rhythm of his attacks.

“Not for once has he congratulated Air Peace on its feat in the Nigerian aviation industry for obvious reasons. The success of Air Peace signals the end of the ‘undertaker’ job for Ojikutu and his co-travellers.

" All they do is rubbish anything Nigerian and move on to pass themselves off to foreign airlines as consultants for filthy cash to line their pockets.

“We reaffirm our resolve to end the domination of our airspace by foreign carriers at the detriment of Nigeria’s economy. 

"Contrary to Ojikutu’s claim, we have trained a lot of Nigerian pilots and engineers on the operation of the Boeing 777 aircraft and we would continue to do so as we expand our operations.

“But for crass ignorance, Ojikutu should have known that the aircraft an operator wishes to use for its regional and international operations is part of the items that must be made available before such airline could apply to operate into such destination.

" It is also the height of mischief for Ojikutu to pretend not to know that the Federal Government has since designated Air Peace to operate flights to Houston, London, Dubai/Sharjah, Guangzhou-China, Mumbai and South Africa. 

“We warmly welcome Ojikutu and his like to set up their own airline and put their baseless theories into practice. While we would not stop them from moving from one office to another seeking consultancy contracts, we urge them to stop peddling ignorance, refrain from making baseless comments about the aviation industry they know nothing about and confine themselves to their guard duties, where their knowledge is also suspect,” Air Peace said.