…As Onyema Warns Against Compromising Safety
BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Air Peace Limited has promoted two Senior First Officers, Felix Adebambo and Emmanuel Adeniji, to the rank of Captain on its Embraer 195-E2 aircraft fleet.
The promotion was announced at a ceremony held at the airline’s corporate headquarters in Lagos, attended by its Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Dr Allen Ifechukwu Onyema; Director of Flight Operations, Capt. James Onipe; Head of Training, Capt. Gerald Udaya, and family members of the newly promoted pilots.
Speaking at the ceremony, Onipe said both officers had demonstrated strong technical skills, discipline and professionalism, having successfully completed the rigorous training and assessments required for their elevation.
Also speaking, Udaya urged the new captains to maintain high professional standards, exercise sound judgment and place safety above every other consideration in their duties.
In his remarks, Onyema congratulated the pilots, expressing pride in their achievements and urging them to combine technical competence with good character, integrity and effective leadership.
He stressed that safety must remain the airline’s highest priority, warning the pilots against taking unnecessary risks or attempting heroic actions that could endanger passengers and crew.
“We don’t want heroics in aircraft. If, in your best judgment, an aircraft is not serviceable or the weather conditions are unfavourable, don’t fly. Nobody will force you to compromise safety. In aviation, what we preach above everything else is safety,” Onyema said.
He assured them that the airline’s management would support decisions taken in the interest of safety, while urging them to remain honest, accountable and disciplined.
The newly promoted captains thanked the airline’s management and instructors for their support and investment in their careers.
Adeniji, who described himself as an “Air Peace Baby,” said his journey began with the airline sponsoring his flight training. He described his promotion as the fulfilment of a long-held ambition and evidence of the airline’s commitment to developing local aviation talent.
Adebambo, who joined Air Peace from Aero Contractors, described his experience at the airline as rewarding, citing its fleet expansion and growing opportunities for career development.
Both pilots pledged to justify the confidence placed in them by maintaining high standards of professionalism and discipline.
The promotion highlights Air Peace’s investment in developing Nigerian pilots and creating opportunities for career advancement within the country’s aviation industry.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
