…By Dorcas Funmi for TDPel Media. The Chief Operating Officer of Air Peace, Toyin Olajide, has accused former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, of making false claims about the airline.
Sirika had given an interview on Sunday regarding the controversy surrounding the unveiling of Nigeria Air.
Disputing Claims on Aircraft Leasing and Losses:
Olajide responded to Sirika’s statements by asserting that Air Peace owns three Boeing 777 aircraft outright, contrary to the ex-minister’s claim that the airline leased two of them.
She also refuted Sirika’s assertion that the aircraft remained parked for months, leading to losses of $19 million.
Olajide stated that Air Peace never incurred such losses and did not pay any rentals for the aircraft.
Clarifying the Suspension of Dubai Operations:
Olajide also addressed Sirika’s claim that Air Peace stopped flying to Dubai due to a lack of capacity.
She refuted this statement, explaining that the suspension of Dubai operations was a result of the UAE government’s total visa ban on Nigerians.
The airline had been operating flights to Dubai since July 2019 but had to suspend them due to the visa ban and subsequent non-issuance of visas.
Challenging Lack of Capacity Allegation:
Olajide questioned Sirika’s accusation of Air Peace lacking capacity.
She highlighted the airline’s firm orders for new aircraft, including 13 E2-195s and 15 Boeing 737 Max 8 & Max 10 planes.
With over 30 aircraft already in its fleet, Air Peace demonstrated its commitment to serving the nation and showcased its capacity by conducting rescue operations during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Call to Disregard Misrepresentations:
The COO of Air Peace urged the public to disregard Sirika’s comments against the airline.
She emphasized that Air Peace takes exception to being misrepresented, as it can lead to incorrect perceptions about the brand.
Olajide reaffirmed the airline’s dedication to serving the nation and criticized the former minister’s attempts to disparage Air Peace.
Conclusion:
Air Peace has strongly refuted the claims made by former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, regarding aircraft leasing, losses, and lack of capacity for Dubai operations.
The airline asserts that it owns three Boeing 777 aircraft outright and did not incur the mentioned losses.
They clarified that the suspension of Dubai operations was due to the UAE government’s visa ban on Nigerians.
Air Peace expressed its commitment to serving the nation and called on the public to disregard the false statements made by Sirika.