Allen Onyema Highlights Government Support for Nigerian Airlines

The Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Allen Onyema, announced that the Nigerian government under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has empowered local airlines to better compete on international air routes. Onyema made these remarks during the keynote address at the Nigeria British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) annual induction ceremony in Abuja on March 15, 2024. He took the opportunity to clarify misconceptions regarding Air Peace’s recent entry into the London market.

Onyema emphasized that the federal government’s support has been instrumental in enabling Nigerian airlines to challenge established international carriers. He expressed gratitude for the government’s efforts, stating, “This federal government has made it easy for Nigerian airlines to challenge the status quo.”

He also addressed misleading reports in the media about Air Peace’s operations, specifically concerning claims that the British government had impeded the airline’s access to London. Onyema highlighted the contradictions in media coverage, noting, “These days they like misquoting me… I never said that.” He elaborated that while some reports suggested that Air Peace faced obstacles due to the British government, other reports praised the same government for supporting the airline.

Furthermore, he commended the British Deputy High Commissioner, John Baxter, for facilitating Air Peace’s operations. Onyema stated, “He has made it possible for our operations to move very seamlessly.” Despite this, he criticized media narratives that downplayed the Nigerian government’s role in supporting the airline’s international ambitions.

Onyema pointed out that the entry of Air Peace into the international market has led to a decrease in airfares, benefiting the Nigerian public. He acknowledged that while many people welcome this development, there are some who remain critical. “I am sure that the majority of Nigerians are happy that the entry of Air Peace into the international route has crashed airfares,” he added.

In addition to addressing government support, Onyema discussed the challenges faced by airlines when it comes to passenger behavior. He cited a recent incident involving a passenger who obstructed an aircraft from taking off, emphasizing the potential dangers such actions pose. “If it had been a 737 aircraft, it would have been very tragic,” he warned.

Onyema also pointed out that it is not the airlines’ responsibility to accommodate passengers during weather-related delays. He clarified that airlines operate on fixed schedules, and disruptions can have a cascading effect on flight operations. “Every airline runs scheduled operations, not chartered operations,” he explained.

The president of the NBCC, Abimbola Olashore, welcomed new members at the induction ceremony, reflecting on the chamber’s legacy and the importance of partnerships. “By joining the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce, you are taking a bold step into a community that values excellence, integrity, and impact,” he said.

As Air Peace continues to expand its international presence, Onyema’s remarks underscore the critical role of government support in shaping the future of Nigerian aviation. With ongoing challenges and opportunities, the airline aims to solidify its position as a key player in the global market.