It is always a pleasure to welcome you on board Air Peace, West and Central Africa’s leading airline. Every journey you make with us is one we regard as a privilege, and we remain profoundly grateful for the trust and confidence you continue to place in our airline.
At Air Peace, one principle stands firmly above all others: safety. The safety of every passenger on our flights is not merely a priority; it lies at the very heart of our Standard Operating Procedure. From the professionalism of our flight crew to the diligence of our engineers, dispatchers, and ground operations teams, every aspect of our operations is governed by the most stringent safety protocols. This commitment is unwavering. It is a culture we have deliberately nurtured since the founding of Air Peace, and it is one we will never compromise for any reason whatsoever. Your safety, comfort, and peace of mind will always remain the cornerstone of everything we do.
The month of March offers a particularly meaningful opportunity for reflection and celebration. Across the world, March has come to be recognized as a time dedicated to honouring our great and revered women: their achievements, resilience, and immense contributions to society. At the heart of this global recognition is International Women’s Day, observed annually on March 8. What began more than a century ago as a movement advocating for fairness, dignity, and equal opportunity for women has evolved into a global celebration of women’s leadership, innovation, and influence across every sphere of life.
Over time, the significance of that single day has expanded into a broader recognition of the entire month. Governments, institutions, and communities around the world use this period to highlight the remarkable impact women continue to make in fields as diverse as science, business, aviation, education, governance, and the arts. It is also a time to amplify conversations around empowerment and opportunity, ensuring that women everywhere are encouraged to pursue their aspirations without limitation.
Here at Air Peace, this celebration carries very personal meaning. Our airline is, in many respects, powered by the brilliance, dedication, and professionalism of women. Indeed, some of the brightest and most hardworking individuals within our organisation are women who bring exceptional competence, discipline, and passion to their responsibilities every day.
One particularly emotional moment that remains vivid in my memory occurred on Thursday, July 6, 2018, when Air Peace proudly operated its first all-female crewed flight. It was a landmark occasion not only for our airline but also for the Nigerian aviation industry. The historic flight was commanded by Captain Sinmisola Ajibola, alongside Senior First Officer Quincy Owen, with SEP Instructor Rosemary Uagbor, Cabin Executive Chidimma Chimezie, and Cabin Executive Opakirite George completing the remarkable team.
The Boeing 737-300 aircraft departed the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos shortly after Captain Ajibola had been decorated as Air Peace’s first female captain. When the aircraft touched down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, it was greeted with a spectacular water salute performed by the Fire Service Department of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria. Passengers, aviation regulators, and well-wishers gathered to celebrate a moment that symbolised progress, courage, and inspiration for countless young Nigerian women.
From Abuja, the aircraft continued to the Sam Mbakwe Airport in Owerri, where it received yet another warm and jubilant welcome. Behind the scenes, several other women played vital roles in the successful operation of that historic flight, including B1 Engineer Justina Etim, who signed out the aircraft in Lagos, as well as dispatchers Chisom Onyeakposi, Olubukola Olajiga, Ladi Amadu, and Loretta Ekeh.
That memorable day affirmed something we have always believed at Air Peace: there is nothing men can do that women cannot achieve with equal excellence. Today, women occupy more than twenty key leadership positions within our airline, including the roles of Vice Chairman, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief of Finance and Administration. Indeed, over sixty percent of our workforce, now numbering about 3,000 employees, are women.
We take immense pride in creating opportunities for women to excel and lead. By doing so, we hope to inspire young girls across Nigeria and beyond to pursue their dreams boldly and confidently.
As we celebrate women throughout this special month of March, we also remain optimistic about the future of Nigeria’s aviation sector. Aviation is a strategic industry that connects cities, supports tourism, enables trade, and drives economic development across nations.
At Air Peace, we will continue to champion excellence, safety, and opportunity. Above all, we will always celebrate the extraordinary women whose dedication, talent, and professionalism help keep our airline flying safely and proudly every day.
Thank you for flying with us. Warm regards,
Dr. Allen Onyema, CON
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Air Peace Limited
