Air Peace operations disrupted nationwide as lessor withdraws aircraft

Air Peace, a Nigerian airline, faced significant operational challenges due to the abrupt withdrawal of three wet-leased aircraft by SmartLynx Airlines. The disruptions resulted in widespread flight delays and cancellations across Air Peace's network. Air Peace alleges that SmartLynx's actions constitute a breach of contract and fraud, as the lessor withdrew the aircraft without prior notice despite having received upfront payments and security deposits exceeding $5 million from Air Peace. The airline estimates damages exceeding $15 million due to the disruptions.

Air Peace's Chief Commercial Officer, Nowel Ngala, stated that the wet-lease agreement with SmartLynx was intended to mitigate service gaps while 13 of Air Peace's aircraft underwent scheduled maintenance abroad. He further claimed that SmartLynx was aware that the aircraft's owners would be reclaiming them due to SmartLynx's payment defaults. Air Peace has already released three of the aircraft to their rightful owners and is seeking a refund of its funds from SmartLynx.

This incident is not the first time Air Peace has encountered issues with lessors. The airline previously lost over $2 million to SYPHAX Airlines of Tunisia, which vanished with an aircraft purportedly for maintenance and subsequently declared bankruptcy. Air Peace views these experiences as indicative of the challenges Nigerian carriers face in international leasing arrangements.

Despite the setbacks, Air Peace anticipates a return to full operations across all routes as its own aircraft complete maintenance and return to service. Two aircraft have already arrived, and the airline expects more to follow shortly. Air Peace has expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to passengers and reaffirmed its commitment to providing safe and reliable flight services, while also pursuing accountability from defaulting partners.