Air Peace Appoints New Flight Operations Director and Chief Pilot
By Cynthia Okere
Nigerian airline Air Peace has appointed Captains James Adaviruku Onipe and Ikechukwu Paul-Ugochukwu as Director of Flight Operations and Chief Pilot, respectively, as the carrier moves to strengthen its operational leadership and support its expanding activities.
The appointments, which take effect on November 1, 2026, will see the two experienced pilots assume key responsibilities in flight operations management, pilot training, safety and the maintenance of professional standards.
Captain Onipe, who currently serves as the airline’s Embraer 145 Fleet Manager, Trainer and Check Airman, brings nearly two decades of aviation experience to his new position as Director of Flight Operations.
His professional experience covers flight safety, crew proficiency, operational efficiency and regulatory compliance, areas central to the safe and effective management of airline operations.
Captain Paul-Ugochukwu, who has 22 years of experience in the aviation industry, will take over as Chief Pilot. He currently serves as a Boeing 777 Type Rating Instructor and Check Airman, with responsibilities spanning pilot training, technical proficiency and operational standards.
His experience in aircraft type-rating instruction and pilot assessment is expected to support the airline’s continued emphasis on crew competence and operational discipline.
The leadership changes follow the elevation of the outgoing Director of Flight Operations, Captain Augustin Kamano, and former Chief Pilot, Captain Martin Okunpolor, to higher positions within the Air Peace Group.
The changes reflect the airline’s approach to leadership succession, drawing on experienced personnel to fill key operational positions while providing opportunities for career advancement within the organisation.
With the transition scheduled to begin on November 1, Air Peace says it remains focused on developing aviation professionals, strengthening its operational leadership and maintaining standards as it expands its operations.
The airline congratulated Captains Onipe and Paul-Ugochukwu on their appointments and expressed confidence in their ability to contribute to its operational objectives.