By Sade Williams
The Federal government has thrown its full weight and might behind Air Peace and all the local airlines designated on international routes in their endeavours in prosecuting their operations and shall provide all the necessary assistance and cooperation to ensure their success, Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister, Festus Keyamo, has said.
He was reacting to recent media publications citing some issues allegedly relating to possible safety violations at the Gatwick Airport by Airpeace Airlines raised by Safety inspectors of the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority.
While reiteirating that Airpeace Airlines is the Nigerian flag carrier designated on the London route, Keyamo said the airline enjoys the full backing and support of the Nigerian Government in its operation of that route.
In a statement, titled: ‘Alleged Safety Violations by Air Peace at Gatwick Airport, United Kingdom, he said: I have been adequately and reliably briefed on the progress made thus far on this issue by the Acting Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). I am informed that the safety issues raised had since been adequately addressed by the Management of Air Peace and promptly closed to the satisfaction of the UK authorities.
“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 and will continue to support and nudge them forward in pursuit of world class operational excellence.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the Federal Government of Nigeria has put its full weight and might behind all the local airlines designated on international routes in their endeavours in prosecuting these operations and shall provide all the necessary assistance and cooperation to ensure their success. Air Peace is no exception in this regard.”, he said.
Air Peace management on Monday, had confirmed the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority (UK CAA) letter to Nigeria’s Civil Aviation Authority, saying all issues raised, including the use of Electronic Flight Bag (EFB), have been resolved.
It explained that from the commencement of its inaugural flight to London, its operations have been subjected to intense scrutiny by the relevant authorities, ‘which we most welcome as we pride ourselves in our continued pursuit of operational excellence and unwavering commitment to the safety and security of our esteemed passengers.’
“We can confirm that the UK Civil Aviation Authority wrote to Air Peace, after their statutory Ramp Inspection on April 7, 2024, to request clarification on our use of the Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) and some other concerns. We provided the necessary information, and the matter was resolved without any issues.”, it said.
