The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace development Festus Keyamo recently announced that the local carrier, Air Peace has successfully addressed the safety concerns raised by the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority (UKCAA). In a statement issued on Wednesday, Keyamo shared that he had been briefed on the resolution by Chris Najomo, the Acting Director General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
The UKCAA had previously reported Air Peace to the NCAA due to alleged non-compliance with certain safety regulations at Gatwick Airport in London. This issue surfaced shortly after Air Peace commenced its Lagos-Gatwick flights on March 30, 2024, which marked a significant expansion in its international service offerings.
Following the report, Air Peace took immediate steps to rectify the identified issues. The airline subsequently communicated that it had resolved the concerns raised by the UKCAA, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to passenger safety and regulatory compliance.
In his detailed statement, Minister Keyamo emphasized that the matter had been fully resolved to the satisfaction of UK authorities. He conveyed, “I am informed that the safety issues raised had since been adequately addressed by the Management of Air Peace and promptly addressed to the satisfaction of the UK authorities.”
Keyamo further expressed the Federal Government’s confidence in the Nigerian flag carriers operating on international routes. “I wish to state categorically that the Federal Government has full confidence in the continued safety of the operations of all Nigerian flag carriers designated on different international routes, including Air Peace,” he stated. “We will continue to support and encourage them in their pursuit of world-class operational excellence.”
This development highlights the collaborative efforts between Nigerian aviation authorities and Air Peace to maintain stringent safety standards. It also confirms the airlines approach to addressing regulatory concerns and ensuring passenger safety as paramount.
The resolution of these safety issues is a testament to the effective oversight and regulatory mechanisms in place within Nigeria’s aviation sector. It also reflects the government’s commitment to supporting the growth and international competitiveness of its airlines.
Air Peace’s swift action in addressing the UKCAA’s concerns reinforces its reputation as a reliable carrier. As the airline continues to expand its international footprint, such measures are crucial in building trust with passengers and regulatory bodies as well.
The Nigerian government’s endorsement of Air Peace and other local carriers reiterate its broader strategy to strengthen the aviation sector. By ensuring compliance with international safety standards, Nigeria aims to enhance its aviation infrastructure and promote its carriers on the global stage.
As Air Peace moves forward, passengers can remain assured of the airline’s dedication to safety and operational excellence. This incident serves as a reminder of the continuous efforts required to maintain high safety standards in aviation, and the positive outcomes that can be achieved through prompt and effective response to regulatory feedback.
