International flights: Obiano seeks FG’s support for Air Peace

Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra has urged the Federal Government to give the needed support to Nigerian carrier, ‘Air Peace’, to enable the airline begin flights on international routes.

The governor made the appeal in a statement issued by the State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr Don Adinuba, and obtained by our reporter in Lagos.

It was reported that no Nigerian airline is currently plying the lucrative international routes which recorded 15,645 flights and over four million passengers in 2018.

The federal government has however, granted Air Peace approval to start long-haul operations to Sharjah, Dubai, Johannesburg, London, Houston, Guangzhou and Mumbai.

Adinuba quoted Obiano as describing Air Peace, which recently received its third B 777 aircraft, in preparation for its foray into the international market, as the `fastest growing and most ambitious airline’ in Nigeria’s history.

The governor expressed satisfaction with the number of aircrafts the airline had acquired, since it commenced flight operations in 2014.

Obiano urged the federal government to support the airline with a flag carrier status, instead of floating a new national carrier like the defunct Nigeria Airways Limited.

“This is a more pragmatic step to take, than the rumoured current attempt in some quarters to make the President Muhammadu Buhari administration establish a state-owned airline.

“This is despite the terrible record of Nigeria Airways and the government’s wise suspension of Nigeria Air in September 2018.

“There is no way any state-owned or promoted airline can enhance Nigeria’s reputation in the world, that Air Peace is not doing and will continue to do with greater efficiency and results,” he added.

According to him, of particular interest to both the flying public and the government, is the airline’s safety record which is excellent owing to the extra mile it goes, to maintain its machines to the highest global standards.

He commended the professionalism demonstrated by Air Peace staff in their flight operations, asserting the airline’s flight services were comparable to those of its international counterparts.