LAGOS (Sundiata Post) – The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has reacted to Air Peace’s recent alleged safety violation in London.
The UK CAA also passed the report to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.
In response to the CAA’s letter to the NCAA, the Nigeria aviation regulator also wrote the Air Peace demanding explanations of the UK agency’s claims and possibly corrective actions intended by the airlines.
In the NCAA’s letter to Air Peace’s Chief Executive Officer with reference number: NCAA/DOLTS/APL/Vol.11/03624 entitled, “United Kingdom SAFA Ramp Inspection Report dated May 14, 2024, and signed by the General Manager Operations, Capt. O.O. Lawani, on behalf of the Director-General of NCAA, listed the airline’s sins as claimed by the UK Civil Aviation Authority.
Reacting through a post on X.com, Keyamo stated that the NCAA had briefed him on the incident and the adequate precautionary measures taken by Air Peace’s management.
However, he passed a vote of confidence in the airline, adding that the Federal Government would provide all necessary support for it to achieve success in its international route endeavours.
The statement read partly, “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. We want to reiterate 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.
“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. I am informed that the safety issues raised have 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,” he added.
Bearly 24 hours before Keyamo’s reaction, the NCAA had said that it had begun the probe of the UK CAA report, stating that it had written to the Airline and was awaiting a response from them.
