The United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority (UK CAA), has flagged Nigerian airline, Air Peace, for allegedly breaching several aviation safety regulations.
This comes just three months after Air Peace inaugurated its Lagos-London route.
The UK CAA has reportedly submitted two mandatory occurrence reports concerning Air Peace, which have now been forwarded to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
In a letter titled ‘United Kingdom SAFA Ramp Inspection Report’ with reference number: CAA-UK, -2024-0217’ and ‘NATS Management System Safety Report,’ the UK CAA raised concerns about the airline’s safety practices.
The NCAA subsequently demanded clarifications from Air Peace in a letter dated May 14, 2024, and signed by its General Manager of Operations, Capt. O.O. Lawani.
The NCAA’s letter, with reference number: NCAA/DOLTS/APL/Vol.11/03624, highlighted issues such as the lack of operational approval for Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) functions, which are critical for safe aircraft operations.
The NCAA noted, “The UK CAA has drawn attention to the absence of operational approval for EFB functions affecting the safe operation of the aircraft. The captain of the flight admitted using an EFB for navigational purposes.”
Further, the NCAA pointed out additional deficiencies mentioned by the UK CAA, including the absence of a mounting device for the EFB, no charging points, and no battery backup for the device.
These lapses could potentially jeopardize flight safety, the letter indicated.
Air Peace recently commenced its London Gatwick service from Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, under the Bilateral Air Services Agreement between Nigeria and the UK.
However, these reported safety violations have cast a shadow over the airline’s international operations.
Attempts to reach Air Peace’s spokesperson, Stanley Olisa, for comments were unsuccessful.
When contacted by our correspondent, Olisa answered the call but remained silent when asked about the allegations until the call ended.
Subsequent text messages to him also went unanswered at the time of filing this report.
The UK CAA’s stringent oversight of safety practices aims to ensure that airlines operating within its airspace adhere to the highest standards.
