Flight disruption: Air Peace blames lessor for breach of contract, seeks refund

Air Peace says in the past week it has experienced several operational disruptions, resulting in flight delays and cancellations after it’s major lessor, SmartLynx Airlines unlawfully withdrew three of its aircraft from Air Peace fleet.

Speaking during a press conference on Friday at its office in Lagos, Nowel Ngala, the chief commercial officer of Air Peace said his company entered a wet-lease agreement with Smartlynx because 13 of its aircraft are currently undergoing scheduled maintenance abroad.

“To avoid service gaps and ensure Nigerians could continue to travel conveniently, Air Peace leased aircraft from SmartLynx in a bid to support Nigerian passengers during peak travel periods,” Ngala said.

“The disruptions were caused by the abrupt and unjustified withdrawal of four aircraft we wet-leased from SmartLynx Airlines. This withdrawal was done without prior notice, a clear violation of industry standards, and of the agreement between both parties.

What makes this even more concerning is that SmartLynx had collected money upfront from Air Peace, fully aware that the rightfully owners of those aircraft would be withdrawing their aircraft from them because they have been in default of payments to the said owners,” he said.

The chief commercial officer disclosed that over $5million of Air Peace money including over a million dollars paid as security deposits for those aircraft are with them while they are about to run away from Nigeria and this situation has caused Air Peace over 15 million dollars in damages to Air Peace.

He said these aircraft had already been rostered for scheduled flights, and their sudden removal created significant gaps in our operations.

He noted that other airlines who leased aircraft from SmartLynx from other parts of the world were similarly affected, confirming a broad pattern of unprofessional conduct.

We consider this action by smartlynx to be serious breach of contract, fraudulent, and a premeditated scheme that as inflicted financial loss and reputational damage not just to Air peace but indirectly to Nigerian traveling public, whom we serve with pride,” he said.

Ngala disclosed that despite SmartLynx’s actions, Air Peace has released three of the aircraft in question to their rightful owners in good faith, adding that one more aircraft remains, and all Air Peace is requesting for is a refund of its funds.

He noted that this is not the first time Air Peace has been placed in a difficult situation by a ‘fraudulent lessor.’

“SYPHAX Airlines of Tunisia vanished with over two million USD from Air Peace and never returned-claiming they were taking their aircraft for maintenance. The aircraft was never returned, and the funds remain unaccounted for till date as the airline went into bankruptcy.

“These actions, unfortunately, reflect the challenges Nigerian carriers often face in international leasing arrangements, we cannot allow that to happen again,” Ngala said.

He however disclosed that despite these setbacks, some of its aircraft have completed maintenance and are returning to service.

“Two aircraft have already arrived. Starting next week, we expect to resume full operations across all our routes as more of our aircraft return,” he said.

He said while he regretted the difficulties passengers have experienced, he also appreciated their patience and understanding throughout this period.

“Air Peace remains firmly committed to providing safe, reliable, and world-class flight services. We assure the Nigerian public that we are taking every necessary step to prevent such disruptions in the future and to hold all defaulting partners accountable,” he added.