Following the recent disruptions of its flight operations as a result of the abrupt and unjustified withdrawal of four (4) of its wet-leased
aircraft from SmartLynx Airlines without prior notice, a clear violation of industry standards and the agreement between both parties,
Air Peace is set to resume operations in all its routes as its own aircraft are returning from maintenance abroad despite the setbacks.
Speaking during a press conference at the airline’s headquarters in Lagos on Friday, November 14, the Chief Commercial Officer of Air Peace, CCO, Nowel Ngala announced that some of its aircraft have completed maintenance and are returning to service.
Ngala disclosed that two aircraft have already arrived, and starting next week, the airline is expect to resume full operations across all its routes as more of their aircraft return.
While affirming its commitment to passengers, the airline regretted the difficulties its passengers have experienced.
The airline said it appreciates their passengers patience and understanding throughout this period.
Ngala said Air Peace remains firmly committed to providing safe, reliable, and world-class flight services.
He assured the Nigerian public that “we are taking every necessary step to prevent such disruptions in the future and to hold all defaulting partners accountable”.
It will be recalled that the four wet-leased
aircraft withdrawn by SmartLynx Airlines without prior notice, had already been rostered for scheduled flights, and their sudden removal created significant gaps in the airline operations.
The airline noted that other airlines that leased aircraft from SmartLynx in other parts of the world were similarly affected, confirming a broad pattern of unprofessional conduct.
Ngala said Air Peace consider this action by SmartLynx to be a serious breach of contract, fraudulent, and a premeditated scheme that has inflicted financial loss and reputational damage not just on the airline, but indirectly on the Nigerian travelling public, whom it serve with pride.
According to Ngala, “Air Peace has released three of the aircraft in question to their rightful owners in good faith. One more aircraft remains, and all we are requesting is a refund of our funds”.
Air Peace Chief Commercial Officer explained further that: “This is not the first time Air Peace has been placed in a difficult situation by a fraudulent lessor. SYPHAX Airlines of Tunisia vanished with over $2 million from Air Peace and never returned—claiming they were taking their aircraft for maintenance. The aircraft was never returned, and the funds remain unaccounted for till date as the airline went into bankruptcy. “These actions, unfortunately, reflect the challenges Nigerian carriers often face in international leasing arrangements. We cannot allow that to happen again”.
