Air Peace has explained the reasons behind the flight disruptions experienced in recent days, revealing that four of its aircraft were unexpectedly withdrawn by its lessor, in breach of a contract that was not due to expire until next year.
Passengers faced significant operational disruptions yesterday, leading to delays and cancellations, as SmartLynx Airlines withdrew the four aircraft from Air Peace without prior notice.
During a press conference in Lagos, the airline’s Chief Commercial Officer, Nowel Ngala, stated that Air Peace entered into a wet-lease agreement with SmartLynx when 13 of its aircraft were sent overseas for scheduled maintenance.
“To avoid service gaps and ensure that Nigerians could continue to travel conveniently, Air Peace leased aircraft from SmartLynx in a bid to support passengers during peak travel periods,” Ngala explained.
He attributed the disruptions to the “abrupt and unjustified withdrawal of four aircraft we wet-leased from SmartLynx Airlines. This withdrawal occurred without prior notice, constituting a clear violation of industry standards and the agreement between both parties.
“What makes this situation even more concerning is that SmartLynx collected payment upfront from Air Peace, fully aware that the rightful owners of the aircraft (from whom they leased the aircraft and then subleased to Air Peace) would be withdrawing their aircraft due to SmartLynx’s default on payments to the owners,” he said.
Ngala disclosed that over $5 million of Air Peace’s funds, including more than a million dollars paid as security deposits for the aircraft, are currently with the lessor, who is seemingly attempting to escape Nigeria. He noted that this has resulted in over $15 million in damages to Air Peace.
He explained that these aircraft had already been scheduled for flights, and their sudden removal created substantial gaps in operations.
Ngala also pointed out that other airlines leasing aircraft from SmartLynx in different regions were similarly affected, indicating a broader pattern of unprofessional conduct.
“We regard this action by SmartLynx as a serious breach of contract, fraudulent, and part of a premeditated scheme that has caused financial loss and reputational damage not only to Air Peace but, indirectly, to the Nigerian travelling public, whom we serve with pride,” he stated.
Ngala revealed that despite SmartLynx’s actions, Air Peace has returned three of the affected aircraft to their rightful owners in good faith, while the remaining aircraft is still in Nigeria, and Air Peace is seeking a refund of its funds.
He noted that this is not the first time Air Peace has faced difficulties due to a ‘fraudulent lessor.’
“SYPHAX Airlines of Tunisia vanished with over $2 million from Air Peace about two years ago, claiming they were taking their aircraft for maintenance; however, the aircraft was never returned, and the funds remain unaccounted for to this day, as the airline subsequently went into bankruptcy.
“These occurrences unfortunately highlight the challenges Nigerian carriers often encounter in international leasing arrangements, and we cannot allow this to happen again,” Ngala said.
However, he disclosed that despite these setbacks, some of its aircraft have completed maintenance and are returning to service.
“Two aircraft have already arrived, and starting next week, we expect to resume full operations across all our routes as more of our aircraft return,” he stated.
While he expressed regret over the difficulties faced by passengers, he also thanked them for their patience and understanding during this period.
“Air Peace remains firmly committed to providing safe, reliable, and world-class flight services. We assure the Nigerian public that we are taking all necessary steps to prevent such disruptions in the future and to hold all defaulting partners accountable,” he added.
