Air Peace Limited has promoted two of its Senior First Officers, Felix Adebambo and Emmanuel Adeniji, to the rank of Captain on its Embraer 195-E2 fleet, reaffirming its commitment to aviation safety, professional development and the advancement of indigenous pilots.
The promotions were formally marked at a decoration ceremony held at the airline’s corporate headquarters in Lagos, attended by Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Allen Onyema, Director of Flight Operations Captain James Onipe, Head of Training Captain Gerald Udaya, and family members of the newly promoted officers.
Speaking at the ceremony, Onyema congratulated the pilots on reaching a major milestone in their aviation careers, stressing that technical competence, character and sound judgment were essential qualities for anyone entrusted with aircraft command.
He urged the newly promoted captains to prioritise passenger and crew safety above operational pressures, warning against unnecessary risks or attempts to demonstrate exceptional flying abilities at the expense of established safety procedures.
“We don’t want heroics in aircraft. If, in your best judgment, an aircraft is not serviceable or the weather conditions are unfavourable, don’t fly. Nobody will force you to compromise safety. In aviation, what we preach above everything else is safety,” Onyema declared.
The Air Peace chairman assured the officers that the airline’s management would support decisions genuinely taken in the interest of safety, while emphasising the importance of honesty, accountability and professionalism.
He also encouraged the captains to demonstrate exemplary leadership both inside and outside the cockpit, noting that character would ultimately determine the extent of their professional achievements.
“Character is everything. Character can take you to places you never imagined. How you handle leadership, both within and outside the cockpit, will determine the altitude you attain in life,” Onyema said.
Earlier, Onipe highlighted the professional journeys of both officers, commending their accumulated flight experience, performance during training and successful completion of the assessments required for promotion.
He described their elevation as recognition of their technical proficiency, discipline and readiness to assume the responsibilities associated with aircraft command.
Similarly, Udaya reminded the officers that promotion to captain carried increased responsibility for operational decisions, adherence to procedures and the protection of lives.
He urged them to maintain the airline’s operational standards and exercise sound judgment in all flying conditions.
The ceremony featured the formal decoration of Adebambo and Adeniji with captain’s epaulettes, marking their transition from Senior First Officers to aircraft commanders.
In his remarks, Adeniji described his promotion as the fulfilment of a longstanding ambition, reflecting on a career that began when Air Peace sponsored his flight training.
Describing himself as an “Air Peace Baby,” he expressed gratitude to the airline for investing in his development and providing opportunities for career advancement.
Adeniji said his progression from a sponsored trainee to captain demonstrated the opportunities available to young Nigerian aviation professionals through structured training and mentorship.
Adebambo, meanwhile, reflected on his transition from Aero Contractors to Air Peace, describing his experience with the airline as professionally rewarding.
He commended the company’s fleet expansion and investment in pilot development, noting that its growth had created opportunities for aviation professionals to advance their careers.
Both officers thanked the airline’s management, instructors and colleagues for their support and pledged to uphold the standards expected of their new positions.
Onyema also congratulated their families, encouraging the newly promoted captains to approach their responsibilities with humility, discipline and a strong sense of accountability.
The airline said the promotions reflected its continued investment in human capital development and its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s indigenous pilot workforce.
Air Peace maintained that expanding career progression opportunities for Nigerian pilots remained central to its operational strategy, alongside its emphasis on safety and professional excellence.
ARISE News
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