In response to recent media reports regarding alleged safety violations by Airpeace Airlines at Gatwick Airport, United Kingdom, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, issued a press statement on Wednesday, May 22, 2024.
The statement reaffirmed Airpeace’s status as the Nigerian flag carrier designated on the London route, enjoying full support from the Nigerian Government.
Keyamo emphasized that the government is fully confident in the safety of operations by Nigerian flag carriers on international routes, including Air Peace.
Keyamo further highlighted that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has addressed the safety concerns raised by UK authorities, with Air Peace promptly responding to and rectifying the issues to the satisfaction of the UK Civil Aviation Authority.
He assured that the Federal Government remains committed to supporting Nigerian airlines in their pursuit of operational excellence.
The press statement serves to reassure stakeholders and the public of the government’s commitment to maintaining safety standards in aviation operations.
The statement read in full below:
Wednesday, May 22, 2024
PRESS STATEMENT BY THE HON. MINISTER OF AVIATION AND AEROSPACE DEVELOPMENT ON
ALLEGED SAFETY VIOLATIONS BY AIRPEACE AT GATWICK AIRPORT, UNITED KINGDOM
My attention has been drawn to recent media publications citing some issues allegedly relating to possible safety violations at the Gatwick Airport by Airpeace Airlines raised by Safety inspectors of the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority. We want to re-iterate that Airpeace Airlines is the Nigerian flag carrier designated on the London route and as such enjoys the full backing and support of the Nigerian Government in its operation of that route.
I have been adequately and reliably briefed on the progress made thus far on this issue by the Acting Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). I am informed that the safety issues raised had since been adequately addressed by the Management of Air Peace and promptly closed to the satisfaction of the UK authorities.
I wish to state categorically that the Federal Government has full confidence in the continued safety of the operations of all Nigerian flag carriers designated on different international routes, including Air Peace and will continue to support and nudge them forward in pursuit of world class operational excellence.
For the avoidance of doubt, the Federal Government of Nigeria has put its full weight and might behind all the local airlines designated on international routes in their endeavours in prosecuting these operations and shall provide all the necessary assistance and cooperation to ensure their success. Air Peace is no exception in this regard.
Thank you.
FESTUS KEYAMO, SAN, CON, FCIArb(UK),
Hon. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development