Air Peace CEO Reveals Challenges Faced Before Launching Lagos-London Flight Operation
In a recent interview with Rald News Media, Allen Onyema, the CEO of Air Peace, delved into the arduous journey the airline undertook before launching its much-anticipated Lagos-London flight service. This milestone marked a significant achievement for Nigeria's flag carrier, Air Peace, as it symbolized years of perseverance and determination in the face of numerous obstacles.
Onyema disclosed that it took an extensive seven-year effort to overcome the internal and external barriers hindering the commencement of operations on the Lagos-London route. The process was fraught with complexities, including the intricate task of obtaining necessary approvals from regulatory bodies both within and outside Nigeria.
Detailing the challenges encountered, Onyema emphasized the intricacies involved in securing the third-country operator (TCO) designation, a prerequisite for flights into European territories like the UK. Despite Air Peace's meticulous preparation and investment in acquiring suitable aircraft, such as the three-triple seven, regulatory hurdles persisted.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) initially posed a stumbling block, casting doubts during Europe verification, despite Air Peace's readiness. This regulatory resistance was particularly frustrating given the airline's impeccable safety record, with extensive daily flight operations within Nigeria.
Overcoming these obstacles required significant financial investment, including substantial consultancy fees exceeding 200 million. Despite these efforts, delays persisted, prompting Air Peace to issue ultimatums for a response from TCO Europe.
Onyema also highlighted the issue of exorbitant flight fares from Nigeria to London, expressing concern over the burden placed on passengers due to inflated prices. This disparity underscored the need for more affordable and accessible air travel options between the two destinations.
The journey of Air Peace in launching its Lagos-London flight service provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by airlines operating in Nigeria's aviation sector. It underscores the importance of regulatory cooperation, transparency, and streamlined processes in facilitating international flight operations and ensuring passenger welfare.
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