Air Peace has vehemently rejected accusations from SaharaReporters, which suggested that the airline misled the public regarding a direct flight from Lagos to São Paulo. The airline described the article as 'malicious, misleading, and dishonest,' clarifying that no such flight was ever launched, nor were any tickets sold.
In a comprehensive statement released on Friday and reviewed by ARISE News, Air Peace asserted that the claims made in the report were based on unnamed, unverified sources which implied that the proposed route was a scam allegedly in collusion with the Nigerian government.
'Claims of a scam are untrue, sensationalized, and deceptive,' Air Peace maintained. 'Neither Air Peace nor the Nigerian Federal Government has defrauded Nigerians in Brazil or any other location concerning the Lagos–São Paulo route.'
The airline elaborated that the confusion arose from a significant misunderstanding of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) established between Nigeria and Brazil. According to Air Peace, an MoU signifies an intention between governments for enhanced bilateral cooperation, without guaranteeing immediate flight operations or ticket sales.
'An MoU does not represent a ticket sale or a flight schedule and certainly does not guarantee prompt operation commencement,' the airline emphasized.
Air Peace underscored that no Nigerian passengers were left stranded, stressing that no tickets were sold, no booking systems were established, and no travel dates were publicized. 'Consequently, it is illogical to assert that passengers were left stranded by a flight that was never offered for sale,' the statement remarked, adding that what exists here is misguided anticipation rather than deceit.
The airline addressed operational realities, indicating that long-haul international routes necessitate extensive regulatory and technical approvals which cannot be bypassed through publicity or political favor. This process entails implementing Bilateral Air Services Agreements, obtaining endorsements from Brazil's civil aviation authority (ANAC), securing slot allocations at São Paulo airports, and ensuring safety and insurance clearances, among others.
Regarding fleet capacity, Air Peace confirmed that it has the necessary aircraft for the route, citing its possession of four Boeing 777-200 and 777-300 planes. Of these, two are currently utilized for services to London Heathrow and Gatwick, while the other two could be allocated for São Paulo and other long-haul routes once all regulatory and commercial processes are finalized.
'No responsible airline would initiate ticket sales or commence operations until these requirements are entirely fulfilled,' the airline remarked.
Air Peace also clarified that it never made any formal commercial commitment to a specific start date for the Lagos–São Paulo service, cautioning against misinterpreting expressions of optimism as confirmations.
'Airlines typically spend considerable time assessing and preparing for international routes before launch,' the airline noted, citing that its London service took approximately seven years from conception to realization.
In response to allegations blaming the airline for the steep costs of international connecting flights, Air Peace dismissed these claims as unfounded, pointing out that it has no control over foreign airlines or global pricing dynamics.
'An MoU does not, and cannot, instantaneously decrease international airfare,' Air Peace stated.
Furthermore, the airline accused certain vested interests in Nigeria of orchestrating a persistent smear campaign against both itself and the Federal Government, characterizing SaharaReporters' report as a calculated act of blackmail.
'For clarity, Air Peace remains the sole airline in Nigeria and the broader West African region capable of executing transoceanic flight operations with its own wide-body aircraft,' the statement elaborated.
The airline revealed that preparations for the Lagos–São Paulo route commenced last year, involving discussions with Nigerian authorities, collaboration with the Brazilian government, and consultations with stakeholders in Brazil.
'All necessary steps must be completed before flights can start,' Air Peace reiterated. 'Aviation is not a business that can be approached with shortcuts; the safety of passengers, crew, and aircraft is paramount.'
The airline condemned efforts to undermine a Nigerian business through misinformation, remarking that it is unacceptable for any groups to attempt to destabilize an airline with falsehoods.
Air Peace also accused SaharaReporters of recurring 'agitational storytelling,' which involves distorting reality and turning diplomatic engagements into fraudulent claims, obscuring verifiable facts while inflating emotions, and neglecting aviation realities to fabricate scandal.
'That is not journalism; it is agitational storytelling,' the airline concluded.
In summary, Air Peace reiterated, 'No flights were sold. No Nigerians were abandoned. No scam occurred. An MoU is not a boarding pass.' The airline reiterated its dedication to transparency and professionalism, assuring Nigerians that a formal announcement about the Lagos–São Paulo route would be made once all regulatory and commercial obligations are met.
'Until then,' the airline emphasized, 'Nigerians deserve the truth, not alarmist headlines.'
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