Air Peace’s Battle for Fairness
Air Peace’s Battle for Fairness: Allen Onyema, the Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace Airlines, unveiled a troubling narrative during an appearance
on The Morning Show, a breakfast program on Arise Television. Onyema detailed the persistent challenges his airline
faced at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, particularly concerning the launch of flights to London.
According to Onyema, Air Peace encountered numerous obstacles orchestrated by certain individuals within the airport administration.
These hurdles, he claimed, were aimed at thwarting the airline’s operations, creating a myriad of frustrations.
On the fateful Sunday when Air Peace’s aircraft landed, Onyema recounted how airport officials directed the
plane to park in an obscure, disused terminal far from the main terminal. This decision would have necessitated passengers to endure lengthy bus rides to reach the main terminal, a scenario Onyema deemed unacceptable for an international carrier.
The situation escalated when Air Peace’s aircraft was instructed to park near a deserted NAHCO shed,
despite the availability of a functional terminal equipped with avio-bridges. Onyema revealed that the terminal, known as C-23, was reportedly reserved for a foreign airline at the expense of a Nigerian carrier. Such preferential treatment, according to Onyema, exemplified the systemic challenges faced by domestic airlines in Nigeria.
Mistreatment
This incident was not an isolated occurrence but rather a recurring pattern of mistreatment endured by Air Peace. Onyema cited a previous incident where one of his pilots, Captain Callistus Ifeanyi, faced repercussions for disobeying similar directives. Despite reporting these incidents to the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Onyema expressed disappointment with the lack of tangible solutions.
In response to the latest incident, Onyema took decisive action to protect his airline’s interests. He instructed Air Peace’s Operations Control Centre to advise the pilot not to move the aircraft and to block the taxiway. This strategic move compelled airport officials to reconsider their stance and allocate Air Peace the appropriate terminal.
Onyema’s account shed light on the internal and external challenges plaguing the Nigerian aviation industry. His revelations underscored the need for systemic reforms to ensure fairness and transparency in airport operations. As Air Peace continues to navigate these obstacles, Onyema remains steadfast in his commitment to upholding the airline’s reputation and delivering quality service to passengers.