Onyema lauds Tinubu on transformation of Aviation industry
CHIGOZIE AMADI
Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace Limited, Dr. Allen Onyema, has commended the federal government for its deliberate efforts in transforming Nigeria’s aviation industry.
Speaking at Air Peace Airline’s 10th anniversary, held weekend in Lagos, Onyema noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been intentional about bringing long-lasting changes, aimed at making air travel friendly and convenient.
Onyema said that hope began to rise in the aviation industry over the past year with the appointment of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, who has undertaken a revamp of the industry, thereby increasing the competitiveness of Nigerian airlines.
He said, “Now, you must have noticed some changes in the aviation industry in the last one year. I want to use this opportunity to thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating a platform through the instrumentality of his appointment of Festus Keyamo as Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development.
“So, if I praise President Tinubu, you must know I am saying the truth because I am involved. The appointment of Festus Keyamo has given rise to a transformation of the aviation industry. The high mortality rate of airlines in the country is connected to the disconnect between policymakers and business owners in the industry.
“We have a minister who came onboard and surprised all of us. One thing he has done very well is that he listens, and this minister has no agenda for his self-interest. This is someone who will take a decision and will follow it through,” he said.
The Air Peace Chairman emphasized that part of the Minister’s success stems from his openness to discussion and his lack of airs, qualities that make him a successful and unmatched Minister in comparison to previous experiences.
He added that every decision made by the Minister is in the best interest of the airline industry.
“When he signed the Cape Town Convention, he was not doing it for any particular person. He was doing it for the entire aviation industry. And I am sure, starting from next year; airlines in Nigeria will start accessing dry lease,” he said.
The Air Peace Chairman whose airline has lifted over 24 million passengers since inception and still counting expressed gratitude to Nigerians.
Speaking further, he said that the airline is a national project owned by Nigerians.
“So, we are very grateful to Nigerians from all walks of life. Air Peace belongs to all of you. Air Peace does not belong to the Onyema family; it belongs to all Nigerians. We believe that this airline belongs to all Nigerians.
“Look at the faces of thousands of Nigerians this airline has provided a platform for, enabling them to earn a livelihood and support their families. That should be your concern,” Onyema added.
He recalled a recent incident where a passenger on Air Peace’s Lagos-London flight created a video to complain about the airline diverting a flight bound for London to Manchester due to bad weather, and explained that the flight was delayed in departing from Nigeria because of the weather and that it took off when conditions allowed, based on the weather report.
Onyema said, “Five minutes before landing, the weather deteriorated, forcing Air Peace and other airlines to divert their flights to Manchester and other cities instead of landing at Gatwick.
He regretted that the passenger, who created the misleading video, failed to mention that weather forced the diversion, as was the case with other airlines destined for Gatwick that day, insisting the video was made out of mischief.
Congratulating Air Peace on this milestone, Senator Sa’idu Ahmed Alkali, Honourable Minister of Transportation, representing the Vice President, celebrated Air Peace’s contributions to regional integration, noting its extensive network as a foundation for cultural and commercial exchange.
Senator Festus Keyamo, Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, commended Air Peace for its unparalleled contributions to Nigerian aviation. He pledged government support for Air Peace’s future endeavors, including route expansion and continued excellence.
In his goodwill message, Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki noted that the airline business is capital-intensive but has very low profit margins. He observed that anyone entering the airline business aims to build the economy of their country, not to make huge profits.
“I don’t think they make a lot of money. So, it is about service to the country. It is about service to citizens. In a country where road infrastructure barely exists, where rail and advanced water transport are lacking, air travel is not a luxury; it has become a necessity.
“And this amazing Nigerian, this amazing Edo boy who was born in Abudu, has risen to the occasion. He has not only built an airline, which is almost a proxy for a national airline, but he has also built an airline we are so proud of.
It has all the trappings and elements of any excellent airline. One thing I want to congratulate you on tonight is your safety record. And so, for most of us Nigerians, once we board your aircraft, we are assured that you will take us to our destination safely,” he said,
Obaseki attributed part of Air Peace’s success to gender balance and effective gender management, noting that the airline’s management team is predominantly female. He commended this approach as a factor in the airline’s success.
Also speaking, Managing Director of Fidelity Bank, Dr. Nneka Onyeali-Ikpe, who spoke on behalf of the airline’s corporate partners, described Air Peace an inspirational model of resilience and innovation.
She praised the airline for its economic impact and community initiatives, noting its role in job creation and market expansion.
Speaking on the future of Nigerian aviation and its potential for boosting the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the Sales Director for Boeing Commercial Aircraft, Mr. Moore Ibekwe, said he and other aviation stakeholders have been brainstorming on ways to improve Nigeria’s aviation sector.
“As a Nigerian, I have spent a lot of time here to see how we can enhance the aviation industry. One of my favorite partners in aviation is Dr. Allen Onyema. Last year, we had a conversation about how we can improve aviation in Nigeria,” he said.
Ibekwe also emphasized Air Peace’s pioneering role in Nigerian aviation and commended its investment in Boeing aircraft to meet passenger comfort and sustainability standards.
Vice President of Sales at Embraer Commercial Aviation, Francisco Moraes, lauded Air Peace’s commitment to modernization and fleet expansion, citing Air Peace’s order for additional aircraft and its support in establishing a local MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) facility in Nigeria.
A special awards ceremony honored devoted Air Peace staff who have exemplified dedication over the past decade. Categories includes: Longest Serving Staff, Pilot, Cabin Crew, Engineer, Support Staff, Ground Operations, and Aviation Security Personnel.
