BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
In what stakeholders described as a brilliant flaunt of its commitment to operational safety and excellence, Air Peace Limited, the largest airline in West and Central Africa, has secured its sixth consecutive International Air Transport Association Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) Certification.
The remarkable achievement not only reaffirms the airline’s adherence to the highest global safety standards but also strengthens its reputation as a leader in the African aviation industry.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Engineer Patrick Achurefe, Head of Quality at Air Peace, expressed deep appreciation to the airline’s Chairman, Dr. Allen Ifechukwu Onyema, for his unwavering support throughout the rigorous audit process.
“We are grateful to our chairman for believing in our capabilities and supporting the meticulous efforts required for this achievement,” Achurefe said.
Reflecting on the journey, he noted that Air Peace joined the IOSA registry in 2016, just two years after its launch, and has maintained this coveted certification through exceptional diligence and expertise.
“I am elated that we did not disappoint, as the process managers involved in the audit demonstrated remarkable dedication and professionalism,” he added.
Dr. Samson Fatokun, IATA’s Area Manager for West and Central Africa, commended Air Peace as a trailblazer in Nigeria’s aviation sector. “Air Peace’s presence on the IOSA registry is a testament to its unwavering dedication to safety, operational excellence, and professionalism.
This milestone is not just a victory for the airline but a pride for Nigeria. It highlights that local carriers can operate at the highest international safety levels,” he remarked, celebrating the airline’s achievements in just a decade of operations.
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Allen Onyema, while receiving the certificate, expressed profound gratitude to the Air Peace team for their commitment to ensuring safety and operational excellence.
“Today marks another significant milestone for our young and ambitious airline,” Onyema said.
He emphasized that the certification reflects the airline’s relentless pursuit of global safety standards and its deep commitment to passenger confidence.
“This sixth IOSA certification is an affirmation of our dedication to maintaining global safety standards. It assures our passengers that their safety remains our top priority and motivates us to keep striving for excellence. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our management team and staff, whose hard work made this achievement possible,” Onyema said.
Dr. Onyema also praised the transformational policies introduced by Mr Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which he believes are paving the way for a more competitive aviation sector.
“The signing of the Cape Town Convention under Minister Keyamo’s leadership has opened new opportunities for local airlines.
“This policy is reducing operational costs and creating a pathway for lower airfares. We also appreciate IATA for its steadfast support in ensuring African airlines like Air Peace have a voice in the global aviation community,” he added.
The ceremony, held at the airline’s headquarters in Lagos, was attended by top dignitaries, including IATA representatives and Air Peace executives, such as Captain Augustin Kamano, Director of Flight Operations; Captain Gerald Udaya, Head of Training; and Dr. Ejike Ndiulo, Head of Corporate Communications.
Air Peace’s sixth IOSA certification highlights its strong commitment to a robust safety culture, innovative management systems and continuous improvement.
The milestone, stakeholders note, sets a new standard for safety in African aviation and serves as an inspiration for other carriers across the continent to strive for similar excellence.
