Air Peace, Nigeria’s flag carrier, has reacted to the allegation of ‘violating’ safety measures in the United Kingdom (UK).
The airline, in a statement on Monday, said its operations
have been under intense scrutiny by the relevant authorities since its
inaugural flight to London.
In a report titled ‘Ramp Inspection,’ and dated April 7, the
United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority (UKCAA) raised concerns over Air
Peace’s compliance with some safety regulations in the UK.
UK aviation authority said findings showed Air Peace was
using electronic flight bag (EFB) functions without operational approval.
However, the airline described the report as false, adding
that approval was obtained from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
“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,” Air Peace said.
“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.”
‘WE ENSURE ALL OUR
B777 AIRCRAFT HAVE IPAD MOUNTS’
Responding to the claim that the B777 aircraft lacked iPad
mounts and charging ports in the flight deck, Air Peace said 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,” the airline said.
“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 UKCAA 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 were closed with the authorities over a month
ago.”
Air Peace said its safety record is second to none, adding
that it complies with all established safety standards.
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They are doing all these to frustrate Airpeace because, they can’t imagine a black man from Africa running an Airline business. But, I must say this, if Air peace continues to be bullied by any nation’s regulatory system, President Tinubu must take necessary action against British airlines or any other airline company. He must have a word with the the British Prime Minister so that Air Peace must be treated with respect and dignity. This’s why Africa must come together as one country so that they can fight western countries that tries to dehumanise Africa Airlines owners. They can’t disallow other countries airlines to fly to Europe and think they will be allowed to fly African routes, this is rubbish. Their airlines will not come to Africa if they don’t allow African flights to come to Europe. If they want to play the game of protectionism, Africa be ready to fight back.
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