Air Peace, Nigeria’s largest airline and a leading carrier in West and Central Africa, has been recognized as meeting the same global safety standards as aviation giants such as British Airways, KLM, and Delta Airlines. This affirmation comes from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) following the airline’s successful completion of its sixth consecutive IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA).
Speaking during the presentation of the certification, Dr. Samson Fatokun, IATA’s Area Manager for West and Central Africa, emphasized that Air Peace was assessed under the same rigorous criteria as other world-class airlines. “The standards applied to Air Peace are the same as those used for British Airways, KLM, and Delta. Passing this rigorous audit shows that Air Peace stands on par with global carriers in terms of safety,” Dr. Fatokun stated.
Dr. Fatokun lauded Air Peace for its dedication to maintaining exceptional safety standards despite the heightened expectations faced by African carriers, particularly those from Nigeria. He praised the airline for its significant achievements within a decade of operation, calling it a source of national pride.
“Air Peace’s presence on the IOSA registry highlights its unwavering dedication to safety, operational excellence, and professionalism. This achievement is not just a win for the airline but a pride for Nigeria, proving that local carriers can operate at the highest international safety levels,” he said.
IATA, which represents 340 airlines responsible for over 80% of global air traffic, underscores safety as the aviation industry’s top priority. Dr. Fatokun noted that the IOSA certification process is rigorous and transparent, conducted by external auditors who ensure compliance with internationally recognized safety practices.
“Safety is measured not just by the absence of accidents but by the processes certified to work safely. These certifications are globally recognized and cannot be compromised,” Dr. Fatokun explained. He further highlighted that while safety investments are costly, they are essential to preventing the far greater expense of accidents.
The sixth IOSA certification is a milestone achievement for Air Peace, reflecting the airline’s robust safety culture and commitment to continuous improvement. It sets a new benchmark for African aviation, inspiring other carriers across the continent to pursue similar excellence.
As Dr. Fatokun aptly put it, “Safety is not cheap, but with the right investment, it can be guaranteed. Air Peace has shown that African airlines can achieve and sustain the highest global standards.”
This recognition solidifies Air Peace’s position as a trailblazer in the African aviation industry, earning the trust of passengers and elevating Nigeria’s standing on the global aviation stage.