The Nigerian Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has expressed full support for Air Peace following allegations of safety violations by the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority (UKCAA) at Gatwick Airport.
In a press statement titled “Alleged Safety Violations by Air Peace at Gatwick Airport, United Kingdom,” Keyamo affirmed that Air Peace, as Nigeria’s flag carrier on the London route, enjoys the full backing of the Nigerian Government. He emphasized that the safety issues raised had been promptly addressed to the satisfaction of the UK authorities.
“My attention has been drawn to recent publications citing some issues allegedly relating to possible safety violations at the Gatwick Airport by Air Peace Airlines raised by Safety inspectors of the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority. We want to reiterate that Air Peace 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 by the Acting Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). I am informed that the Management of Air Peace had adequately addressed the safety issues raised and promptly closed to the satisfaction of the UK authorities.”
Keyamo assured that the government will continue to support Air Peace and other Nigerian carriers on international routes, aiming for world-class operational excellence.
“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.”
“To avoid 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,” the Minister stated.
