Air Peace flagged for safety violations at Gatwick

The United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has reported Nigeria’s flag carrier, Air Peace, for safety violations during its operations at London Gatwick Airport.

The CAA’s concerns were documented in two mandatory occurrence reports titled “United Kingdom SAFA Ramp Inspection Report” and “NATS Management System Safety Report.” These reports outline several safety breaches that occurred at Gatwick, prompting the UK Safety Assessment of Foreign Aircraft (SAFA) to alert the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) about the issues.

In response, the NCAA issued a letter to Air Peace’s CEO, referencing the SAFA Ramp Inspection Report conducted on April 7, 2024. The letter, signed by Capt. O.O. Lawani, General Manager Operations for the NCAA, urged Air Peace to address the findings promptly. “You are required to notify the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) of your corrective actions on these findings,” the letter stated.

The specific violations cited by the CAA include the lack of operational approval for Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) functions, which are critical for safe aircraft operation. The CAA noted that the flight’s captain admitted to using an EFB for navigational purposes without the necessary mounting devices, charging points, or backup batteries. This breach of protocol raises serious concerns about the safety measures in place for Air Peace’s operations at one of the world’s busiest airports.

Air Peace launched its Lagos to London Gatwick service on April 30, 2024, under the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and the UK. The inaugural flight was celebrated with great enthusiasm, marking a significant milestone for the airline. However, these recent safety violations could hinder its ambitions to dominate this competitive route.

The scrutiny from the UK aviation authorities underscores the importance of stringent safety measures in international aviation. As Air Peace navigates these challenges, it must demonstrate a commitment to upholding the highest safety standards to maintain its operations and reputation.

For Air Peace, the path to success on the Lagos-London route now depends on swiftly addressing the CAA’s concerns and reinforcing its safety protocols.