January 17, (THEWILL) – The International Air Transport Association has affirmed that Air Peace, Nigeria’s leading airline and the largest carrier in West and Central Africa, operates on par with global aviation giants such as British Airways, KLM, and Delta Air Lines in terms of safety standards.
IATA’s Area Manager for West and Central Africa, Dr. Samson Fatokun, made this declaration during the presentation of Air Peace’s sixth consecutive International Air Transport Association Operational Safety Audit certification.
Dr. Fatokun emphasised that IATA’s rigorous safety assessments are uniformly applied to all airlines, ensuring that Air Peace meets the same global benchmarks as its international counterparts.
“The standards are the same for British Airways, KLM, and Delta. The findings conducted here are identical to those abroad, placing Air Peace on equal footing with global airlines when it comes to safety,” he stated.
Fatokun commended Air Peace for successfully undergoing the comprehensive IOSA audit, which he described as a testament to the airline’s operational expertise and unwavering commitment to safety.
“When you’re an airline from Africa, particularly Nigeria, the expectations are significantly higher. Air Peace has not only met but surpassed those expectations, proving itself as a pride of Nigeria and a beacon of excellence in African aviation,” he remarked.
He also highlighted that Air Peace’s presence on the IOSA registry reflects its dedication to operational excellence and professionalism, noting that the airline’s achievements in just a decade are remarkable and not coincidental.
“IOSA certification is a hallmark of safety and operational integrity. It signifies that an airline adheres to globally recognized safety standards and has processes certified by independent auditors. This milestone is not just a win for Air Peace but a source of pride for Nigeria, showcasing that local carriers can operate at the highest international levels,” he added.
Fatokun stressed that safety remains IATA’s top priority, emphasizing that a robust safety record is a critical factor influencing passengers’ choice of airlines.
“Safety is not just about avoiding accidents but ensuring certified processes are in place to prevent them. These certifications are globally recognized and cannot be compromised,” he explained.
He acknowledged the challenges associated with IOSA certification, noting that the process is rigorous and constantly evolving to adapt to the dynamic nature of the aviation industry.
“Safety is expensive, but accidents are costlier. With the right investments, safety can always be guaranteed,” he concluded.
Air Peace’s sixth IOSA certification represents a significant milestone in African aviation, setting a benchmark for safety and operational excellence.
It underscores the airline’s deep-rooted safety culture and commitment to continuous improvement, inspiring other carriers across the continent to strive for similar standards.
Anthony Awunor, is a business correspondent who holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Linguistics (UNILAG). He is also an alumnus of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria Kaduna State. He lives in Lagos.
