Air Peace Promotes Two Pilots to Captains on Embraer 195-E2 Fleet, Reaffirms Safety Commitment
By CeeWhy News Aviation Desk, Lagos
Air Peace Limited has promoted two Senior First Officers, Felix Adebambo and Emmanuel Adeniji, to the rank of Captain on its Embraer 195-E2 fleet, highlighting the airline’s investment in pilot development and its emphasis on operational safety.
According to a statement supplied by the airline, the two pilots received their Captain epaulettes at a decoration ceremony held at its corporate headquarters in Lagos.
The ceremony was attended by Air Peace Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Allen Ifechukwu Onyema; Director of Flight Operations, Captain James Onipe; Head of Training, Captain Gerald Udaya; and relatives of the newly promoted pilots.
Promotion follows training and assessments
Captain Onipe said the officers had demonstrated the flying experience, training performance and competence required for their elevation. He described their promotions as recognition of their discipline and readiness to assume aircraft command responsibilities.
Captain Udaya urged the new commanders to adhere strictly to operational procedures and exercise sound judgment, noting that command carries responsibility for passengers, crew and aircraft.
Onyema urges captains to put safety first
Congratulating the pilots, Onyema said technical competence must be matched by integrity and responsible leadership.
“Character is everything. Character can take you to places you never imagined. How you handle leadership, both within and outside the cockpit, will determine the altitude you attain in life,” he said, according to the airline’s statement.
He also warned the officers against taking unnecessary risks in the course of their duties.
“We don’t want heroics in aircraft. If, in your best judgment, an aircraft is not serviceable or the weather conditions are unfavourable, don’t fly. Nobody will force you to compromise safety. In aviation, what we preach above everything else is safety,” Onyema said.
The airline chairman assured the captains of management support for decisions made genuinely in the interest of safety, while stressing honesty, accountability and professional conduct.
New captains recount career journeys
Captain Adeniji, who described himself as an “Air Peace Baby,” said the airline sponsored his initial flight training. He described the promotion as the fulfilment of a longstanding career ambition.
Captain Adebambo recalled moving from Aero Contractors to Air Peace and acknowledged the opportunities for professional development provided by the airline’s expansion.
Both officers thanked management and their instructors for their support and pledged to uphold the standards expected of aircraft commanders.
Developing Nigerian aviation personnel
The transition from Senior First Officer to Captain is a significant step in an airline pilot’s career. It entails greater responsibility for flight decisions, crew coordination and compliance with operating procedures.
Air Peace said the promotions form part of its continuing efforts to develop Nigerian aviation professionals and provide career progression within its flight operations.
Source: Air Peace statement and ceremony photograph supplied to CeeWhy News.