The United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority (UK CAA) has raised concerns over alleged safety violations by Nigerian carrier Air Peace.

This revelation comes merely three months after Air Peace commenced its Lagos-London route.

According to reports, the UK CAA forwarded two mandatory occurrence reports to Nigeria’s Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), highlighting alleged breaches of aviation safety regulations by Air Peace.

These reports, titled ‘United Kingdom SAFA Ramp Inspection Report’ and ‘NATS Management System Safety Report,’ highlighted specific operational irregularities observed by UK aviation inspectors.

The crux of the issue revolves around the operational approval of Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) functions and it is critical for ensuring the safe operation of aircraft.

The UK CAA purportedly flagged the absence of a mounting device for EFB, charging points, or backup battery, raising concerns about navigational practices onboard Air Peace flights.

In response to the UK CAA’s communication, the NCAA swiftly initiated correspondence with Air Peace, seeking clarification on the reported safety lapses.

The letter, signed by the NCAA General Manager of Operations, Capt. O.O. Lawani, underscored the urgency of addressing the alleged infractions to uphold aviation safety standards.

Air Peace, which recently expanded its operations to London Gatwick from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos, operates under the Bilateral Air Services Agreement between Nigeria and the UK.

The airline’s foray into international routes had been hailed as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s aviation industry, promising enhanced connectivity and convenience for travelers.

However, the safety concerns raised by the UK CAA cast a shadow over Air Peace’s international operations, prompting calls for swift remedial action and heightened regulatory oversight.

As stakeholders await Air Peace’s response to the allegations, questions loom over the potential impact on the airline’s reputation and operational integrity.

Efforts to reach Air Peace’s spokesperson, Stanley Olisa, for comment were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.

Aliko Dangote, the President of Dangote Group and Africa’s wealthiest individual, has embarked on a campaign for reforms in visa policies across the continent.

His impassioned plea comes as he addresses the pressing obstacles these policies pose to investors and business leaders looking to navigate the African landscape.

Speaking at the Africa CEO Forum Annual Summit in Kigali, Dangote shared his personal frustrations while expressing unwavering optimism for Africa’s future.

He took the opportunity to shed light on the challenges he has encountered due to restrictive and inconsistent visa policies that hinder intra-African travel and investment.

“As an investor, as somebody who already wants to make Africa great, I have to now apply for 35 different visas on my passport and I really don’t have time to go and drop my passport in embassies to get a visa. But you see, the most annoying thing is that if you are treating everybody the same, then I can understand but I can assure you, some people don’t need 35 visas,” lamented Dangote.

Highlighting the urgency of the matter, Dangote revealed that even Nigeria’s influential political figures are voicing their dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs.

He disclosed that President Bola Tinubu has expressed similar concerns and is committed to initiating reforms to streamline visa processes into Nigeria.

“On Monday, there was a cabinet meeting, President Tinubu was not happy about this same visa issue and I can assure you that in the next couple of weeks, you will see a massive reform in terms of visas going into Nigeria,” assured Dangote.

Dangote’s clarion call for visa reforms resonates with growing sentiments across the continent as African countries recognize the imperative of fostering a conducive environment for investment and economic growth.

Restrictive visa policies not only deter potential investors but also impede the free movement of talent and resources vital for Africa’s development agenda.

Expressing his unwavering commitment to Africa’s potential, Dangote said, “I am very excited because the growth going forward in the future is Africa. We have whatever it takes to make Africa great and that is why I am not only putting in my own money, I am putting my soul and life in Africa to make it great.”

Dangote likened Africa to a scratch card, symbolizing its untapped potential. “Nothing is impossible in Africa, it is like a scratch card. Unless you scratch it, you won’t know what number it is or be able to use it,” he remarked, underscoring the need for concerted efforts to unlock Africa’s vast opportunities.

Paystack, a leading financial technology company specializing in payment processing services, has announced a strategic partnership with Africa World Airlines (AWA), a prominent regional carrier operating in West Africa.

This collaboration unveiled through a joint statement by Jonathan Appiah, the Head of Commercial at Africa World Airlines, and Shola Akinlade, the Co-founder and CEO of Paystack, heralds a new era of convenience and efficiency for air travelers within the region.

The partnership aims to streamline the flight booking and payment process, offering passengers an array of seamless payment options tailored to their preferences.

With the integration of Paystack’s advanced payment gateway, passengers flying with Africa World Airlines can now enjoy hassle-free transactions, enhancing the overall travel experience.

Jonathan Appiah expressed excitement about the partnership, emphasizing AWA’s commitment to providing its customers with exceptional service.

He highlighted that the collaboration with Paystack allows AWA passengers in Ghana, Nigeria, and beyond to benefit from diverse payment methods, including card, mobile money, Apple Pay, bank transfers, USSD, PayAttitude, and QR codes.

“We are thrilled to partner with Paystack to offer our passengers a more convenient and streamlined booking and payment experience,” said Appiah. “At AWA, we are constantly seeking ways to enhance the overall travel experience for our customers, and we believe that this partnership with Paystack will significantly contribute to achieving that goal.”

Shola Akinlade, echoing similar sentiments, expressed Paystack’s enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting the company’s dedication to making the booking process accessible and inclusive for travelers across the region.

“We are excited to partner with Africa World Airlines to provide passengers with a convenient and reliable payment experience,” stated Akinlade. “By offering a variety of payment options, we aim to make the booking process more accessible and inclusive for travelers across the region.”

The joint efforts of Paystack and Africa World Airlines signify a commitment to innovation and customer-centric solutions in the aviation industry. As air travel continues to evolve, partnerships like these pave the way for enhanced passenger experiences and greater convenience in the skies of Africa.