BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
Soothing news came the way of Air Peace as the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the global trade association representing over 80% of the world’s airline traffic, has declared that the flag carrier matches global aviation giants such as British Airways, KLM, and Delta Airlines in safety standards.
The recognition and declaration has flaunted Air Peace’s staunch commitment to maintaining top-tier global safety practices.
Dr. Samson Fatokun, IATA’s Area Manager for West and Central Africa, shared this during the presentation of Air Peace’s sixth consecutive International Air Transport Association Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) certification. Highlighting the rigorous safety standards upheld by IATA, Dr.
Fatokun noted, “The standards that are given are the same as the British Airways, KLM, Delta. They are all assessed the same way.
Findings done here are the same over there as well, which makes you stand at par with other airlines in the world when it comes to safety.”
Dr. Fatokun commended Air Peace for successfully navigating the demanding audit process, attributing this accomplishment to the airline’s exceptional management and commitment to excellence.
He remarked, “When you’re an airline in the first world, people expect you to do things and work. But when you come from Africa, they expect you to do more. And when you come from Nigeria, the expectations are immense.”
Reflecting on the airline’s remarkable achievements in its first decade of operations, Dr. Fatokun described Air Peace as a symbol of pride for Nigeria.
He said, “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.”
Dr. Fatokun emphasised that safety remains IATA’s top priority, noting that rigorous processes and internationally recognized standards drive the certification.
“The measurement of safety is not only about avoiding accidents but ensuring that processes are certified to work safely, following globally recognized practices verified by external auditors who cannot be compromised.”
Achieving IATA certification, he explained, is a mark of trust and assurance for passengers, as an airline’s safety record significantly influences travelers’ decisions.
“Some people are very careful of the aircraft they step into, and safety records inform their decisions,” he stated.
Dr. Fatokun warned against complacency in safety audits like IOSA, emphasizing their rigorous and ever-evolving nature.
“IOSA is not something one takes with levity. It is tough, and we keep improving it—not to make it harder, but to ensure it remains adaptable. Safety is not cheap; accidents are costlier. With the right investments, safety can be guaranteed,” he affirmed.
Air Peace’s sixth IOSA certification is a testament to its deep-rooted safety culture, robust management systems, and commitment to continuous improvement.
This achievement sets a new benchmark for safety in African aviation, inspiring other carriers across the continent to aim for similar standards of excellence.
