Air Peace Elevates Chibuzo Mbanefo to Captain on Boeing 777 Fleet
Nigeria’s leading airline, Air Peace, has announced the promotion of Senior First Officer Chibuzo Mbanefo to the esteemed rank of Captain on its Boeing 777 fleet.
The promotion marks a significant milestone in Mbanefo’s aviation career, reflecting his dedication, proficiency, and adherence to the airline’s high operational standards.
The decoration ceremony, held at Air Peace’s corporate head office in Lagos, was attended by the airline’s Chairman/CEO, Dr. Allen Onyema, Chief Operating Officer, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Olajide, the Flight Operations Management team, as well as Captain Mbanefo’s family and well-wishers.
During the ceremony, Capt. Gerald Udaya, while introducing Mbanefo to Dr. Onyema and Mrs. Olajide, commended his outstanding qualities.
He highlighted that Mbanefo had accumulated over 4,800 flight hours as a Senior First Officer on the Boeing 777, and had excelled in the rigorous command upgrade training programme.
He described Mbanefo’s elevation to Captain as a well-earned recognition of his expertise and competence.
A defining moment of the event was the symbolic epaulette change, performed by Dr. Onyema and Mrs. Olajide, officially signifying Mbanefo’s new rank as Captain.
Speaking at the occasion, Capt. Iwo-Brown urged him to maintain discipline, uphold aviation protocols, and prioritise safety, emphasising that these principles are the foundation of a successful career in aviation.
In an emotional speech, Captain Mbanefo expressed profound gratitude to the Chairman, his family, and the Flight Operations Management for their unwavering support.
Reflecting on his journey, he recalled how he began his aviation career as a flight dispatcher before joining Air Peace as a cadet.
Through the support of Dr. Onyema, he advanced to First Officer, undergoing intensive training on the Boeing 737.
Although he was eligible for promotion as a Captain on the B737, his passion for the B777 influenced his career path—a decision that culminated in this prestigious elevation.
Congratulating the newly promoted Captain, Dr. Onyema reaffirmed Air Peace’s commitment to nurturing Nigerian pilots and building local capacity in the aviation sector.
“At Air Peace, we believe in recognising and rewarding excellence. Captain Mbanefo has demonstrated exceptional professionalism and dedication, and we are incredibly proud to see him ascend to this new role. His promotion aligns with our vision to develop world-class aviators and sustain our airline’s reputation for safety and excellence,” Onyema stated.
He further advised Mbanefo to embrace his new responsibilities with humility and continuous learning, emphasising that “it is only your character that determines your altitude in life.”
Expressing confidence in his leadership abilities, Onyema urged him to uphold Air Peace’s culture of safety and operational excellence.
The event not only celebrated Captain Mbanefo’s achievement but also reinforced Air Peace’s mission to expand its fleet, enhance its long-haul capabilities with the Boeing 777, and empower Nigerian aviators.
