Air Peace takes delivery of another B777, set for international operations

Nigerian carrier, Air Peace, has taken delivery of another  Boeing B777-300 aircraft in preparation for its commencement of international operations.

The 320 capacity  aircraft, christened "Ojochide", touched down at the Murtala Muhammed International  Airport, Lagos at about 1.45 pm on Saturday. 

The aircraft, which was flown in from Dublin, Ireland by Capt. Victor Efionu and Senior Flight Officer Emmanuel  Iwhiwhu, was received by the  Chief Operating Officer of Air Peace, Mrs Oluwatoyin Olajide and other top aviation personnel. 

Olajide told newsmen that Air Peace  had taken delivery of its first B777-200 aircraft in February, stressing that two more aircraft were being expected before the end of the year to boost the airline's international operations. 

She noted that the Federal Government had granted approval to Air Peace to begin  flights to six international destinations  which are London, Dubai, Sharjah, Guangzhou-China, Mumbai and Johannesburg.

"We are very happy with taken delivery of another of our B777 aircraft in preparation for our international operations and we are looking at commencing operations on one of the routes before the last quarter of the year. 

"We believe that this will enable us to create more employment opportunities for Nigerians because that is the reason why we exist. We want to help curb the unemployment situation in the country,"Olajide said. 

According to her, the move will also impact the Nigerian economy positively because it will give Nigerians the opportunity to travel in comfort and safety at affordable fares and help them connect the world.

She thanked the present administration for the support given to Nigerian airlines through removal of Value Added Tax and waivers on aircraft spares. 

The B777-300 aircraft has 12 First Class, 48 Business Class and 260 Economy Class  and it is usually used for long-haul flights. 

Dana Air , MMA2 Partner to Reward Travelers

 

 

Dana Air and Mma2 have entered into a partnership to reward passengers with low-cost tickets when they fly Dana Air from the terminal four times consecutively.

 

 The promo which entails passengers to fly four times with Dana Air and get the 5th one at the rate of N5000 will run for one year.

 

 Speaking on the reward program, the CEO of Bi-courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), operators of MMA2, Captain Jari Williams said, MMA2 has proven to be more than a terminal since inception and our aim is to continue providing not just an end-to-end passenger experience that is seamless and efficient, but providing the best facilities and a reward system for passengers who travel from our terminal.’’

 

 He noted that the partnership to reward customers is part of  MMA2’s  way of incentivizing flying from the terminal and appreciating users of the terminal for their loyalty, stating that the partnership with Dana Air and other airlines operating at the terminal is as a result of the airline’s obvious  commitment to rewarding loyalty.’’

 

 Also speaking on the partnership, Accountable Manager / COO of Dana Air Mr Obi Mbanuzuo said, ‘’Dana Air and MMA2 have always been partners in progress and both brands have built a reputation for their constant desire to not just offer the best of services,  but to cap their services with rewards for customers.’’

 

Commenting further, Obi said ‘this reward program is a good one such that, if you fly four times, you will get the 5th one for just N5000 to fly to any of Dana Air’s destinations. This is definitely a good time for travelers as there is always something to look forward to when you fly." 

 

He therefore advised passengers to visit www.mma2.com.ng , call Tosin on 08174604719 or send a message to Dana Air’s WhatsApp number 0705119063 for more details.   

 

 Dana Air is one of Nigeria’s leading airlines with daily flights from Lagos to Abuja, Port Harcourt, Uyo and Owerri. The airline is reputed for its innovative online products and services, unrivaled on-time departures and arrivals and world-class in-flight service

 

Onyema preaches unity as Air Peace inaugurates Lagos-Kaduna flight

The Chairman of Air Peace, Mr Allen Onyema says the carrier is embarking on massive expansion of its domestic flight operations to tackle air travel difficulties in Nigeria and build bridges of unity across the country.

Onyema spoke on Monday in Kaduna State in an address to mark the commencement of Air Peace’s daily flights from the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos to the Kaduna International Airport.

The launch of the airline’s Lagos-Kaduna service came exactly a week after the carrier started scheduled flights from Lagos, Abuja and Accra to Roberts International Airport, Monrovia, Liberia. 

Onyema, who was represented by Air Peace Corporate Communications Manager, Mr Chris Iwarah, described the launch of the carrier’s Lagos-Kaduna service as a “significant milestone in our vision to unite our dear country, Nigeria through air travel and lift the nation’s economy through trade facilitation and massive job creation.”

He said the airline, which also launched its daily flights to Kano and Yola on February 12 and 15, 2018 respectively, was working on setting up mini-hubs across Nigeria and the West Coast of Africa to strategically fix the challenges of air travel.

“Our plan”, he said, “is to massively expand our operations from our base in Lagos into mini-hubs across all regions of Nigeria and the West Coast of Africa.

" We assure you that the North of Nigeria will be one of the biggest beneficiaries of the massive expansion of our route network and fleet capacity.

"Since the first quarter of 2018, we have begun to take delivery of the six 50-seater Embraer 145 aircraft we recently acquired to serve cities with air transport difficulties under our subsidiary, Air Peace Hopper.          
                                                                                                                             “There is no doubt that as the leading and biggest airline in Nigeria with a fleet size of 24 aircraft, we are now more positioned to transform air travel experience in Nigeria, the West Coast of Africa and beyond.

"But more importantly, we are proud to use our flight services to build bridges of unity in Nigeria. We are not just achieving this by extending our flight operations across Nigeria without restriction, we also are doing so with our employment policy that does not discriminate on the grounds of religion, tribe and creed.”

Onyema assured air travellers on the Lagos-Kaduna route of efficient, on-time and safe flight operations.

“We are coming into the Kaduna route with a reputation for on-time performance and uncompromising stand on matters of safety.

"We promise to leverage the experience of our skilled staff and excellent business model to end the challenges of air travel on the Kaduna route and make Kaduna more accessible to leisure and business travellers,” he said.

On his part, the Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris praised Air Peace for commencing flight operations to Kaduna.

The royal father, who was represented by the District Head of Makera, Alhaji Shehu Tijani, assured the airline of the support and patronage of the Zazzau Emirate Council and the people of Kaduna State.

Also speaking, the acting Airport Manager,  Mr, Jacob Ijaluwoye, pledged the support of the management of the airport for Air Peace to ensure its success on the Lagos-Kaduna route.

The inaugural flight, a 50-seater Embraer 145 operated by Capt. Matthew Ekeinde, Capt. Lawali Abubakar, First Officer Henry Khantiok, Lead Crew, Marylinda Okoye and Cabin Crew Executive, Sandra Nwagbologu, touched down to a warm reception and water salute by aviation regulators, workers and leaders of corporate organisations at the Kaduna International Airport at about 9.18 a.m. 

Air Peace boss disowns fake birthday alert, Facebook accounts

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Mr. Allen Onyema has disowned several fake Facebook accounts created by fraudsters in his name to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.

The airline said Onyema had no Facebook or any other social media account and was not born in August.

A statement issued by the Corporate Communications Manager of Air Peace, Mr. Chris Iwarah on Saturday said Onyema became aware of the new social media accounts when he started receiving goodwill messages from unsuspecting members of the public who were alerted by the fraudsters that the airline’s boss was celebrating his birthday.

The existing social media accounts with the name and pictures of the carrier’s boss, the statement said, were created by criminal elements with the intention of swindling members of the public of their hard-earned money.

“Our attention has been drawn to several new social media accounts in the name of the Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Mr. Allen Onyema.

"Some of the accounts, especially on Facebook, bear the pictures and other materials connected to our chairman.

“These same internet criminals had attempted to use the same means to defraud members of the public in August 2017 before we alerted members of the public to the development and their plan was foiled.

“For the avoidance of any doubt, we confirm that all the accounts are fake and were created by fraudsters intent on scamming members of the public of their hard-earned money and other valuables.

" Air Peace Chairman has no Facebook or any other social media account and has not authorised anyone to open or maintain any in his name.

“Members of the public are, therefore, advised to refrain from dealing with the fraudsters posing as the Chairman of Air Peace and report any suspicious representation in his name to security agents for action," Air Peace said.

NAAPE Honors Dana Air Boss…As Passenger Commends Airline’s Pilot

For contributing positively to the growth of Nigeria’s aviation industry, the Chief Executive Officer of Dana Air, Jacky Hathiramani, has been honored by the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) in Lagos recently.

The Dana Air boss was awarded at the dinner and unveiling of NAAPE’s compendium of 50 Outstanding Nigerian Aircraft Pilots and Engineers.

Speaking at the event themed: ‘’Promoting Professional Excellence with aircraft pilots and engineers in focus,’’ the President of NAAPE, Comrade Abednego Galadima said the body is committed to advocating for the rights, and privileges of the Nigerian Pilots and engineers.

‘today we shall be honoring eminent personalities, Nigerian Pilots and Engineers who have been contributing immensely to the growth and development of global aviation industry in general, and Nigeria in particular; having recorded five accident-free years, which is evidence that Nigerian pilots and aircraft  engineers are indeed pillars of the industry.’’

The CEO of Dana Air, Jacky Hathiramani, while reacting to his latest honor in Lagos said, he was delighted to have been honored by a key association as NAAPE, noting that Dana Air having employed and trained over 90 Nigerian Pilots and Engineers, is committed to decreasing the unemployment rate of Nigerian Pilots and engineers and supporting them in any way possible.’’

He dedicated the award to the airline’s Pilots and Engineers for constantly displaying and championing professionalism in the industry and to the airline’s teeming guests for their loyalty and patronage.  

Similarly, a passenger on one of Dana Air’s flight from Lagos to Abuja has commended the dexterity of one of its pilots.

The passenger via his verified twitter handle @gentleojay said, ‘so I flew @danaair today and was very impressed with the pilot. He used pidgin English to welcome us and he was so warm. Apart from this, his landing was super-amazing. He got everybody clapping and You could see he enjoys his job.’’

Air Peace begins flights to Kaduna Aug. 13

Nigeria’s leading carrier, Air Peace has announced plans to commence daily flights from Lagos to Kaduna from August 13 as part of its no-city-left-behind project.

The airline had earlier announced commencement of its four weekly flights from Lagos, Abuja and Accra to Monrovia with effect from August 6.

A statement issued by the airline’s Corporate Communications Manager, Mr. Chris Iwarah said the carrier was pleased to connect and unite the South and North of Nigeria by air.

Air Peace, which recently secured the renewal of its International Air Transport Association Operation Safety Audit (IOSA) certificate, said broadening its route network in the North of Nigeria aligned with its determination to democratise flying experience, give hope to unserved and underserved destinations as well as positively impact the economies of destinations where it operates.

The carrier assured its guests that many more domestic routes, including Makurdi, Warri and Port Harcourt NAF Base, would soon join its network under its no-city-left-behind project.

Air Peace also confirmed that it would shortly reopen its Asaba and Sokoto operations.

“We are delighted to announce that Kaduna will reflect on our route map starting from Monday, August 13, 2018, just exactly a week after commencement of our four weekly flights from Lagos, Abuja and Accra to Monrovia.

"The launch of our daily flights from Lagos to Kaduna is a pleasing consolidation of our pledge to connect and unite Nigeria by air.

"We are convinced beyond any shadow of doubt that Nigeria stands to gain socially and economically if the North and South are seamlessly connected by air.

“Our flights to Kaduna will afford air travellers, especially in the North, an opportunity to experience the excellent services Air Peace has been reputed for since we commenced scheduled operations almost four years ago.

"The new route will perfectly fit into our strategy to end the travel difficulties of the North of Nigeria with our flights to Abuja, Yola, Kano, Sokoto, Benue, among other cities in the area.

“We are determined to replicate the success of our intervention in the travel difficulties experienced on the Kano and Yola routes, which we inaugurated on February 12 and 15, 2018 respectively, as a way of appreciating the huge support we have continued to enjoy from the North of Nigeria.

"We solicit the continued support and patronage of the flying public in our determination to deliver the best in air travel in Nigeria and beyond,” Air Peace said.          

Group urges religious leaders to promote credible leadership in Nigeria

A group, Legacy Initiative International (LLI)  on Wednesday urged religious leaders to unite for the common purpose of promoting credible leadership in Nigeria. 

 Dr Bolaji Akinyemi, President LLI,  made the call while briefing newsmen in Lagos. 

Akinyemi noted that the LII was a coalition of several groups with ideological similarities and shared interest of effecting the desired expectations of Nigerians for credible leadership.

According to him, it is is a platform of interface with communities, key opinion leaders, traditional and spiritual leaders and the citizenry at large on the need to cross our dividing lines and forge agreement towards nation building. 

He said : "LII is much concerned about the high spate of insecurity and lawlessness in the nation which has led to wanton bloodletting and huge numbers of internally displaced persons.

" It is saddening and disheartening that with the global reputation of the Nigerian nation as a highly religious country with great percentage of her citizens alluding to the Islam and Christian faiths.

"Over the years, attempts are being made to stop the carnage of senseless killings in the nation but the mutual mistrust among the adherents of the Islam and Christian faiths has been a clog in the wheel of achievement of much result."

Akinyemi said it was evident that those carrying out the dastardly acts were not true adherents of both faiths and were only an insignificant microcosm of the Nigerian population. 

Also speaking, Chief Kenny Martins, the Patron of the group, said religious and traditional rulers had key roles to play in making Nigeria a dream country for generations yet unborn. 

Martins said: "We call on them to turn their attention with the same grace and vigour to the election process in Nigeria in a coordinated effort by the Leaders of the two faith groups in Nigeria, the Christians and the Muslims

"We believe that if our religious leaders can quickly overcome their interdenominational and interfaith differences, they will emerge as the most potent force for the choice of political leaders in our country.

"It is not difficult to imagine what will be the outcome if the top hierarchy of our Christian and Muslim leaders, with all their wisdom and spiritual disposal will narrow their choice to a single candidate in a presidential or gubernatorial election."

According to him, the candidate with such support will not need to resort to money bag politics thereby making him or her more accountable to the electorates. 

He also advised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and politicians to play by the rules in the 2019 General Elections, stressing that the eyes of the whole world was now on Nigeria. 

2019: Women Aspirants Lauds Dana Air’s Commitment to Affirmative Action

Prospective women aspirants at the coming general elections have at a summit recently organized in Abuja have
commended Dana Air for its commitment to affirmative action.

The women during the summit organized by Women Radio FM 91.7, Nigerian Women Trust Fund (NWTF), and Women in Politics Forum (WPF) commended the airline for not only contributing to the success of the summit, but for showing massive commitment to the aspirations of women in the coming general elections in 2019.

The Summit with the theme: Working Together for 2019, assembled women politicians who have expressed interest to contest various elective offices in next year’s general elections, was also aimed at enabling women to work together and strategize to win more elective positions in 2019.

Speaking at the summit, the CEO of Women Radio FM, Mrs Toun Okewale- Sonaiya said, ‘one critical point on the agenda was to bring women together with diverse experiences to further advance their participation in political processes and governance.’’

‘’This is the first of its kind having female aspirants from all 6 geo political zones of Nigeria gather under one roof to focus on several paramount issues, including resource mobilization for campaigns, campaign team management, media visibility for women seeking elective positions among other issues and myself and the other women aspirants appreciate Dana Air for their support and commitment to this project.’’

Also speaking on the partnership, the Accountable Manager/ Chief Operating officer of Dana Air, Mr Obi Mbanuzuo said, women have certain skills, capabilities and talents which we need to explore in governance and at Dana Air we are commitment to the Beijing Declaration of 1995, which advocates for more women in politics and decision-making.’’

Only recently, Dana Air won the Most Socially Responsible Airline award at the just concluded Laac Awards. The airline having flown over 2.7 million passengers in the last 9 years of its operation is reputed for its unrivaled on-time departures, and world-class in-flight service.