Airpeace has refuted claims of increasing its fare by 100 per cent effective November 1, 2024.
In a post featuring the image of Airpeace Chairman Mr Allen Onyema, the airline was quoted to have said, “Please be informed that effective 1st November 2024, Air Peace would be adding a 100 per cent increase to their fares across all local routes”.
However, reacting to the reports, the airline in a post on its official X handle debunked the various reports, describing them as “false” and not an original piece from the air shuttle.
It reads, “Our attention has been drawn to reports and images circulating online regarding a purported 100% fare increase by Air Peace Limited.
“We would like to categorically state that this information is false and did not originate from Air Peace.
“We have not released any official statement regarding a fare increase as described, and any announcements regarding our pricing would only be made through our verified channels.
“We encourage our valued customers and clients to rely exclusively on our above platforms for accurate updates and information on fares.”
Meanwhile, the Chairman/CEO of Air Peace, 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 in Lagos, over the weekend, Onyema noted that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been intentional about bringing long-lasting changes, aimed at making air travel friendly and convenient.
Onyema remarked 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.
“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.” Onyema pointed out that 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 Keyamo 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 Chairman whose airline expressed gratitude to Nigerians, saying 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.
“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 said.
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.
Acknowledging that no system is perfect, he pledged that Air Peace will continue striving for excellence.