Air Peace rebuts allegations of safety breach in UK, reaffirms commitment to safety standards
Air Peace has responded to media reports alleging safety breaches during its operations in the United Kingdom, describing the claims as false and aimed at instilling fear and doubt among passengers.
The airline, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Mr Stanley Olisa, emphasised its dedication to operational excellence and passenger safety, noting that its inaugural flight to London was rigorously scrutinised by relevant authorities.
The airline explained that following a routine Ramp Inspection on April 7, 2024, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) requested clarification from it regarding its use of the Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) and other minor concerns.
Air Peace said it promptly provided the necessary information, resolving the matter without further issues.
Contrary to the allegations, Air Peace confirmed it has full approval from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for its EFBs, and all its Boeing 777 aircraft are certified to operate with these devices.
The airline also refuted claims about the lack of iPad mounts and charging ports in its B777 flight decks, asserting that all such aircraft are adequately equipped.
Regarding the cockpit library’s location, Air Peace explained that the B777 designates two storage spots for manuals: behind the captain and under the jumpseat.
The inspector preferred the manuals be placed behind the captain, a preference Air Peace has now accommodated.
An additional concern was raised about a captain’s choice of runway exit, which deviated from the standard procedure, potentially delaying another aircraft’s arrival.
Air Peace acknowledged this and has addressed the matter to ensure adherence to preferred exit procedures in the future.
Air Peace highlighted that Ramp Inspections are standard procedures globally, and the UK CAA appropriately informed the NCAA of their findings.
The airline expressed shock over media reports that exaggerated and sensationalised these resolved issues, criticising such reports for being unprofessional and alarmist.
Reaffirming its safety record, Air Peace stressed its commitment to complying with all established safety standards, ensuring the highest safety for its operations and passengers.
The statement: “Our attention has been drawn to media reports alleging a safety breach by Air Peace in the United Kingdom, which contain a lot of falsehood aimed at creating fears and doubts in the minds of the flying public.
“From the commencement of our inaugural flight to London, our operations have been subjected to intense scrutiny by the relevant authorities, which we most welcome as we pride ourselves in our continued pursuit of operational excellence and unwavering commitment to the safety and security of our esteemed passengers.
“We can confirm that the UK Civil Aviation Authority wrote to Air Peace, after their statutory Ramp Inspection on April 7, 2024, to request clarification on our use of the Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) and some other concerns. We provided the necessary information, and the matter was resolved without any issues.
“It is, therefore, wrong to say we do not have approval for our EFB. Air Peace received approval from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and all our Boeing 777 aircraft are certified to operate with EFBs.
“Regarding the claim that our B777 aircraft lack iPad mounts and charging ports in the flight deck, this is incorrect. All B777 aircraft are equipped with charging ports in the cockpit, and we ensure that all our B777 aircraft have iPad mounts.
“Another issue raised by the UK CAA was the location of our cockpit library on the B777. The B777 designates two locations for storing manuals and books: one behind the captain and one under the jumpseat.
“During the inspection, the books were stored under the jumpseat, as it is commonly practised. We understand the inspector’s preference for the books to be placed behind the captain and have ensured this preference is accommodated for all operations going forward.
“There was also a concern about the captain’s choice of runway exit after landing. Instead of exiting at the middle runway exit, the captain, out of his professional discretion, opted to exit at the end of the runway.
“This may have delayed the arrival of another aircraft. We acknowledge this deviation and have addressed the matter with the captain to ensure adherence to preferred exit procedures in the future.
“Ramp Inspection is a normal procedure carried out by aviation authorities globally, and the UK CAA did the right thing by notifying the NCAA of the outcome of their inspection.
“However, we are shocked to see several media publications with exaggerated and sensationalised accounts of this matter that was closed with the authorities over a month ago. It is unprofessional for the media to publish slanted and alarmist reports to create public panic and impugn our deeply ingrained safety culture.
“Air Peace’s safety record is second to none, and we go above and beyond to comply with all established safety standards. Safety is the bedrock of our operations, and we have robust operational mechanisms to guarantee full compliance always.”
SIGNED
MANAGEMENT
