Nigerian carrier, Air Peace, has debunked reports that it has been blacklisted by aircraft leasing companies, saying it is untrue.
The airline said it didn’t breach agreements with lessors, noting that the reports were misleading.
According to a statement, the indigenous carrier said it has consistently operated with the highest standards of ethics and professionalism since inception.
The statement reads: “Our attention has been drawn to erroneous claims by a Newspaper outlet, and a host of other media outfits who on the 17 July, 2024, published an article titled: ‘13 Nigerian Airlines Blacklisted for Contract Breaches,’ which incorrectly included our airline. Air Peace has consistently operated with the highest standards of ethics and professionalism since our inception in 2014.
“Contrary to the misleading information presented in the article, Air Peace has NEVER dry-leased any aircraft since the inception of the airline and, as such, couldn’t have breached a non-existent contract and has never been blacklisted by any lessor. We have never breached any contractual obligations.
“Our financial dealings have always been conducted with utmost integrity and transparency, with no breaches of payment terms. Our operations remain robust and compliant with all relevant regulatory and industry standards. Air Peace is committed to maintaining excellent service and operational efficiency, setting a benchmark in the West African aviation sector.
“The inclusion of Air Peace in the said publication is both misleading and damaging to our reputation. The allegations are completely unfounded and have no basis in reality. Air Peace, by virtue of its vantage position and rising profile, has been subjected to several smear campaigns aimed at distracting it from its ultimate goal of connecting cities and generally improving aviation travel within Nigeria, Africa and the world at large.
“Air Peace is, however, open to constructive criticism but frowns at attempts to bring it down by misinforming the world about its operations,” the airline said in a statement signed by its management.
“Air Peace connects people to most of the cities in Nigeria and has extended its operations to many destinations in West Africa and beyond. Air Peace has placed Nigeria’s aviation industry firmly on the global map, showcasing the capabilities of a Nigerian airline across various fronts, notably excelling in maintaining an unparalleled safety culture.
“The airline’s visionary goal is to be ever dependable through the creation of seamless connections and network options for its extensive domestic, regional, and international markets. The heartbeat of Air Peace’s success lies in its strategic approach to fleet modernization and route expansion.
“In 2021, the airline achieved a milestone by becoming the launch customer for the groundbreaking 124-seater Embraer 195-E2 aircraft in Africa. This marked the delivery of the first five units as part of a 2018 firm order for 13 E195s, with additional orders for Boeing 737 MAX 8 and 737 MAX 10 aircraft, signalling a phased transition from the existing Boeing 737 fleet.
“Elevating its fleet modernization, Air Peace recently inked a significant deal-a firm order for five Embraer 175 aircraft, accompanied by plans for a local maintenance facility supported by Embraer. The airline has consistently maintained a clean safety record in all its operations.”
