Air Peace gets IOSA certification, enters codeshare pact

Leading local carrier in Nigeria, Air Peace, has been listed on the registry of the International Air Transport Association’s Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) after successful completion of its safety audit and found compliant with global standards.

The much-coveted certification among major airlines world over has now opened the door for Air Peace to be a members of International Air Transport Association (IATA) and start competing in the international market.

The IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) programme is an internationally recognised and accepted evaluation system designed to assess the operational management and control systems of an airline. IOSA certificate is valid for two years.

The certification is coming at a time Air Peace has applied for partnership with a leading alliance network to commence operations into several countries where Nigeria has Bilateral Air Service Agreement (BASA).

Presenting the IOSA certificate to the airline recently, IATA Area Manager, West Africa, Dr. Samson Fatokun, commended Air Peace for scaling the huddles and achieving the feat, adding that the airline could only achieve it with the support of its Chairman as the process was strenuous and difficult.

Fatokun said: “Today, we are pleased to present the IOSA certificate to Air Peace, meaning that they have met all the requirements and complied with all safety standards and practices in their operations.

“It is a very good and big achievement. It takes a very rigorous system to actualise it. It is important to get the certification and it is equally important to stay there (certified). It is valid for two years, make sure you stay there.”

The IATA representative also told the gathering that the IOSA Certification would give the airline backing to have interlines, do business with others as well as show the flying public that it is safe as well as its insurers that it follows the best safety practices.

“Such certification makes all to know that the aircraft management and maintenance are safe. It gives the passengers more assurance and confidence. Next, Air Peace will move to e- IOSA (enhanced IOSA) where the quality assurance will be monitored on a daily basis.”

Chief Executive Officer of the airline, Allen Onyema, thanked the IATA team for the certificate and revealed that the airline has started making consultations with some foreign airlines for codeshare arrangement.

Onyema said: “I travelled four days ago because of codeshare. We are not afraid of codeshare with any reputable airline. Most foreign airlines are now eager to do business with us. They want to work with Air Peace,” he said.

Applauding the Federal Government Onyema said, “I thank the government of President Muhammadu Buhari for giving us six destinations they gave us and I will not disappoint them. With IOSA, most reputable airlines will be willing to partner with us. We want to serve Nigerians better. We will encourage interlining and codeshare which will be done.”