Air Peace Elevates Onipe, Paul-Ugochukwu to Top Flight Operations Positions
Air Peace has elevated Captains James Adaviruku Onipe and Ikechukwu Paul-Ugochukwu to two strategic flight operations leadership positions, in a move aimed at strengthening its operational management and supporting the airline’s continued expansion.
The appointments will take effect on November 1, 2026, with Onipe assuming the position of Director of Flight Operations (DFO) and Paul-Ugochukwu becoming Chief Pilot (CP).
The airline said the appointments reflected its commitment to developing experienced aviation professionals, strengthening its leadership structure and maintaining operational excellence as it grows its business.
Onipe, who has almost 20 years of experience as an airline pilot, currently serves as Air Peace’s Embraer 145 Fleet Manager, Trainer and Check Airman.
His experience spans multiple aircraft fleets, with professional expertise in flight safety, crew proficiency, operational efficiency and regulatory compliance.
His elevation to Director of Flight Operations places him in a key position within the airline’s operational leadership structure, where his experience in fleet management and pilot training will be relevant to the responsibilities of the office.
Onipe’s background in flight operations and crew assessment also provides experience in areas central to maintaining professional standards and ensuring that flight crew members meet established operational requirements.
Paul-Ugochukwu, meanwhile, brings 22 years of aviation industry experience to his new position as Chief Pilot.
Before his appointment, he served as a Boeing 777 Type Rating Instructor and Check Airman at Air Peace, contributing to pilot training, technical proficiency and the maintenance of operational standards.
His experience in aircraft type-rating instruction and pilot assessment forms a significant part of his professional background as he prepares to assume the new responsibilities.
The Chief Pilot position is an important component of an airline’s flight operations structure, particularly in supporting pilot proficiency, maintaining operational discipline and ensuring that flight crew members adhere to established procedures and standards.
Air Peace said the leadership changes followed the elevation of the outgoing Director of Flight Operations, Captain Augustin Kamano, and former Chief Pilot, Captain Martin Okunpolor, to higher positions within the Air Peace Group.
The movement of the two former officeholders to other senior positions reflects the airline group’s approach to recognising experience and facilitating career advancement among its personnel.
It also forms part of the leadership transition through which experienced professionals are assigned greater responsibilities as the organisation develops its management capacity.
The airline said it remained focused on nurturing aviation talent, reinforcing professional standards and building the leadership strength needed to support its expanding operations.
It congratulated Onipe and Paul-Ugochukwu on their appointments and expressed its best wishes to both captains as they prepare to take up their new roles.
The appointments come as airlines continue to rely on experienced flight operations personnel to manage the demands of crew training, safety oversight, regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.
For Air Peace, the elevation of two pilots with extensive experience in fleet management, instruction and technical assessment represents a move to strengthen internal leadership and ensure continuity in the management of its flight operations.
Both appointments are scheduled to become effective on November 1, 2026.
