Air Peace Elevates Two Pilots to Captains, Boosts Local Talent and Safety Standards

The symbolic promotion ceremony took place at Air Peace’s headquarters in Lagos, in the presence of the airline’s Chairman and CEO, Dr. Allen Ifechukwu Onyema; Chief Operating Officer, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Olajide; Director of Flight Operations, Capt. Augustin Kamano; Embraer E195-E2 Captain, Callistus Ifeanyi; and family members of the newly decorated captains.

Captain Kamano opened the event with an uplifting recount of the pilots’ aviation journeys, commending their exceptional discipline, performance, and the rigorous training that paved the way to their elevation. He revealed that both pilots had each clocked over 4,000 flying hours on the Boeing 737—an achievement that underscores their competence, experience, and readiness to take command.

Following the tribute, Dr. Ejike Ndiulo, Head of Corporate Communications, described the ceremonial decoration as a proud moment for the airline. The Chairman and COO jointly decorated the new Captains with their epaulettes, officially marking their transition from First Officers to Commanders of the cockpit.

Captain Adedamola Adeoye, who joined Air Peace as a fresh graduate from flight school in 2016, and Captain Obinna Okeke, who came onboard in 2018, described the day as the most significant milestone of their professional lives. They extended heartfelt appreciation to the Chairman, their instructors, and the entire leadership of Air Peace, affirming that the promotion fulfilled their long-held aspirations since flight school.

In his congratulatory address, Dr. Onyema applauded the two pilots for their dedication and progression, while extending commendation to their mentors who helped shape them into safety-focused professionals. He emphasized that while competence is critical, adherence to safety protocols remains the backbone of Air Peace’s operational philosophy.

“At Air Peace, we don’t glorify risky flying or bravado,” Dr. Onyema stated. “We prioritize sound judgment, safety, and professionalism. We need you alive—not as heroes in headlines, but as responsible captains your families and the nation can be proud of.”

He further urged the newly minted Captains to see the cockpit as a launchpad, not a ceiling. “The sky is not your limit—it is your starting point. Aspire to make meaningful impact beyond aviation, and carry the torch of integrity and service in everything you do.”

Dr. Onyema closed with words of encouragement, reaffirming Air Peace’s mission to build not just a successful airline, but a legacy of empowered Nigerian aviators and world-class air travel.

As the airline continues to expand its operations—most recently bolstering its long-haul capabilities with Boeing 777s and launching new routes—this promotion reflects Air Peace’s strategic focus on developing homegrown talent and inspiring the next generation of aviation leaders.