Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development
The Federal Government of Nigeria has thrown its full weight behind Air Peace on its direct flight operations from Nigeria to United Kingdom saying the airline is Nigerian flag carrier which must be accorded the fulll status as enshrined in the Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASA) entered into with the country of destination.
The stand of the Federal government was made known by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Barrister Festus Keyamo (SAN) in a statement on Wednesday in response to the allegation of safety violations raised against Air Peace by the aviation authorities at Gatwick Airport, UK.
“My attention has been drawn 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 (UKCAA). We want to re-iterate that Airpeace Airlines is the Nigerian flag carrier designated on the London route and as such enjoys the full backing and support of the Nigerian Government in its operation of that route,” Keyamo said.
The Minister who said he has been adequately briefed on the alleged issues of safety breaches against Air Peace at Gatwick Airport, by relevant Aviation authorities in Nigeria confirmed that the airline has closed all ranted gaps to the satisfaction of UKCAA
“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,’ he affirmed.
Stating the commitment of the Federal government of Nigeria at supporting every domestic airline designated on international routes, Keyamo said: “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.”
