Air Peace’s operations disrupted as lessor withdraws 4 aircraft, without notice

Air Peace has condemned what it describes as the abrupt and unjustified withdrawal of four aircraft by SmartLynx Airlines, one of its lessors. It confirmed that the development is responsible for the recent flight delays and cancellations across its network over the past week. Daily Trust reports that there have been delays and cancellations of […]

Air Peace has condemned what it describes as the abrupt and unjustified withdrawal of four aircraft by SmartLynx Airlines, one of its lessors.

It confirmed that the development is responsible for the recent flight delays and cancellations across its network over the past week.

Daily Trust reports that there have been delays and cancellations of Air Peace flights in recent times as the airline makes frantic efforts to normalise its operations.

The airline’s Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Nowel Ngala who briefed newsmen said the disruptions resulted from SmartLynx’s sudden recall of the aircraft wet-leased to Air Peace, saying this was done without any prior notice and in clear violation of industry standards and contractual agreements.

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According to Ngala, Air Peace had entered into the wet-lease arrangement because 13 of its aircraft are currently undergoing scheduled maintenance abroad.

He stated that the leased aircraft were meant to cushion the gap and ensure uninterrupted travel, especially during peak periods.

However, he stated that SmartLynx’s unexpected move created significant operational gaps, causing delays and cancellations.

Ngala revealed that SmartLynx had collected over $5 million from Air Peace—including more than $1 million as security deposits—despite knowing that the rightful owners of the aircraft intended to repossess them over SmartLynx’s default in payment obligations.

According to him, Air Peace estimates that the disruptions have caused damages exceeding $15 million.

“These aircraft had been fully rostered for scheduled flights. Their sudden withdrawal was not only unprofessional but also fraudulent and premeditated,” he said, adding that other airlines leasing from SmartLynx in different parts of the world had suffered similar treatment.

“It is important to note that other airlines that leased aircraft from SmartLynx in other parts of the world were similarly affected, confirming a broad pattern of unprofessional conduct.

“We consider this action by SmartLynx to be a serious breach of contract, fraudulent, and a premeditated scheme that has inflicted financial loss and reputational damage not just on Air Peace, but indirectly on the Nigerian travelling public, whom we serve with pride,” he said.

Despite the developments, Ngala noted that Air Peace has already released three of the aircraft to their rightful owners in good faith while insisting on a refund of the funds owed for all four aircraft.

He also recalled a previous incident involving SYPHAX Airlines of Tunisia, which allegedly vanished with over $2 million from Air Peace after claiming its aircraft was being taken for maintenance.

“The airline later went bankrupt, and the funds remain unaccounted for up till today, saying this pattern reflects broader challenges Nigerian carriers face in international leasing arrangements,” he said.

In a positive development, Air Peace revealed that some of its own aircraft have completed maintenance and are returning to service.

Two aircraft, he stated, have already arrived, and the airline expects to restore full operations across all routes starting next week as more aircraft return.

Ngala apologized to passengers for the disruptions, assuring the public of Air Peace’s commitment to safe, reliable, and world-class flight services.

“We appreciate the patience and understanding of our passengers. We are taking every necessary step to prevent such incidents in the future and will hold all defaulting partners accountable,” he added.

Ngala also hinted that the airline might be seeking a legal redress insisting that the lessor’s decision was a clear breach of contractual agreement.

Our correspondent reports that SmartLynx is described as “a globally recognized provider of ACMI (Aircraft Crew Maintenance Insurance), cargo and charter services, offering a comprehensive range of aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance solutions to leading airlines across Europe, the USA, Asia, and Africa.

Operating a fleet of 67 aircraft and Latvian, Estonian, and Maltese Air Operator Certificates (AOC), we ensure the highest level of performance, technical reliability, and customer service, helping our partners to meet their capacity requirements, while avoiding the expensive crew and fleet expansion process.

It was learnt that the charter company is currently facing bankruptcy as it is owing more than 238 million euros.