Two airlines lose $3m through ‘fraudulent’ lessors — AON

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) yesterday said no Nigerian airline has been blacklisted by any international lessors for contractual breach.

The AON spoke in response to a media report over alleged blacklist by lessors.

The operators stated that two of the airlines mentioned – Air Peace and Azman – “have themselves been victims of fraud by lessors, incurring losses exceeding $3 million.”

“Despite these setbacks, domestic airlines have remained committed to serving the Nigerian public and contributing to National Economic development.

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“We want to state that Nigerian airlines have consistently worked very hard to meet their contractual obligations with lessors despite operating within a challenging business environment.

“It is also a well-known fact that the Minister for Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, since assuming office, acknowledged the challenges domestic operators face and has made concerted efforts to create an enabling environment for us to operate,” said AON in a statement by its spokesman, Obiora Okonkwo.

Meanwhile, Air Peace yesterday clarified that there has not been any contractual breach in its aircraft acquisition, saying the airline has not been blacklisted by any lessor.

The airline said, “Contrary to the misleading information presented in the article, Air Peace has never dry-leased any aircraft since the inception of the airline and, as such, couldn’t have breached a non-existent contract and has never been blacklisted by any lessor. We have never breached any contractual obligations. 

“Our financial dealings have always been conducted with utmost integrity and transparency, with no breaches of payment terms.

“Our operations remain robust and compliant with all relevant regulatory and industry standards. Air Peace is committed to maintaining excellent service and operational efficiency, setting a benchmark in the West African aviation sector.”

Air Peace stated that it is open to constructive criticisms but frowns at attempts to bring it down by misinforming the world about its operations.