Capt. Chibuzo Mbanefo (centre) with Air Peace Flight Operations Management team
Air Peace, Nigeria’s leading airline and the largest carrier in West Africa, has promoted Senior First Officer Chibuzo Mbanefo to the rank of Captain on its Boeing 777 fleet. This significant milestone underscores the airline’s commitment to developing world-class Nigerian pilots and enhancing its long-haul operations.
Captain Mbanefo’s elevation follows years of dedication, rigorous training, and a steadfast commitment to operational excellence. With over 4,800 flight hours on the Boeing 777, he has demonstrated exceptional proficiency, leadership, and adherence to Air Peace’s high safety and service standards.
During the official ceremony at Air Peace’s corporate headquarters, Capt. Gerald Udaya praised Mbanefo’s remarkable performance in the command upgrade training program, emphasizing that his promotion to the left-hand seat as Captain is a testament to his skill and dedication.
A symbolic highlight of the event was the epaulette change, conducted by Air Peace Chairman/CEO, Dr. Allen Onyema, and Chief Operating Officer, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Olajide. This act formally recognized Mbanefo’s transition to Captain, marking a defining moment in his aviation career. Reflecting on the journey, Capt. Iwo-Brown advised the newly promoted Captain to remain disciplined, uphold aviation protocols, and prioritize safety—key principles for sustained success in the industry.
In an emotional speech, Captain Mbanefo expressed heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Onyema, his wife, family, and the flight operations team for their unwavering support. He reminisced about his early days in aviation, beginning as a flight dispatcher before joining Air Peace as a Cadet Pilot. With the Chairman’s encouragement, he advanced to First Officer on the Boeing 737. Though he had the option to become a Captain on the B737, his deep passion for the Boeing 777 shaped his career path, a decision that culminated in this well-earned promotion.
Congratulating the new Captain, Dr. Onyema reaffirmed Air Peace’s dedication to building local aviation talent, stating:
“At Air Peace, we believe in recognizing and rewarding excellence. Captain Mbanefo has exhibited outstanding professionalism and dedication, and we are incredibly proud to see him take this next step in his career. This promotion aligns with our mission to build local capacity and ensure our flight operations remain world-class.”
Dr. Onyema further stressed the importance of humility, continuous learning, and a strong safety culture, urging Captain Mbanefo to embrace his new role with responsibility and diligence. “It is only your character that determines your altitude in life,” he remarked, expressing confidence in Mbanefo’s ability to lead and uphold Air Peace’s standards of safety and operational excellence.
According to a statement by Dr. Ejike Ndiulo, Head of Corporate Communications, the ceremony was attended by top executives, including Dr. Onyema, Mrs. Olajide, the airline’s Flight Operations Management team, Captain Mbanefo’s wife, family members, and well-wishers.
As Air Peace continues to expand its fleet and route network—strengthening its long-haul capabilities with Boeing 777 aircraft—this promotion aligns with the airline’s vision to provide safe, world-class air travel while empowering Nigerian pilots and enhancing the nation’s aviation sector.
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