Nigerian carrier Air Peace is navigating severe operational challenges after one of its major wet-lease partners unexpectedly withdrew aircraft from service, resulting in significant financial losses and widespread flight disruptions across its network.
Sudden Aircraft Withdrawal Sparks Crisis
Air Peace has confirmed losing approximately $15 million after SmartLynx Airlines, its primary wet-lease partner, abruptly withdrew two aircraft without proper notice. The airline's chief commercial officer, Nowel Ngala, disclosed that the past week has been exceptionally difficult for the carrier due to these unauthorized withdrawals that violated industry standards and existing agreements.
During a briefing in Lagos, Ngala explained that Air Peace had entered the wet-lease arrangement because thirteen of its own aircraft are currently undergoing scheduled maintenance overseas. The strategy was designed to maintain operational stability throughout the peak travel season, but the sudden removal of leased aircraft has instead created chaos.
Financial Impact and Operational Fallout
The withdrawal forced Air Peace to scramble reorganizing flight schedules, leading to numerous delays and cancellations. SmartLynx had already collected more than $5 million from Air Peace, including over $1 million in security deposits, before reneging on their agreement.
According to Ngala, the disruption has cost Air Peace more than $15 million in combined operational and reputational damages. Compounding the situation, SmartLynx apparently acted despite knowing that the actual aircraft owners were preparing to repossess the planes due to SmartLynx's own payment defaults.
"This is not an isolated incident affecting only Air Peace," Ngala noted, pointing out that other airlines worldwide leasing from SmartLynx have encountered similar problems, indicating a pattern of unprofessional conduct by the lessor.
International Routes Severely Affected
The aircraft withdrawal has particularly impacted Air Peace's key international routes, including the crucial Abuja-London Heathrow service. The airline depends on a combination of its own fleet and wet-leased aircraft to maintain frequency on this competitive UK route.
Other international destinations experiencing disruptions include:
- Jeddah flights
- Guangzhou routes
- Johannesburg services
The reduced aircraft availability created schedule gaps and diminished operational flexibility, temporarily weakening Air Peace's competitive position on the vital Heathrow corridor where consistent frequency is essential for slot retention and passenger confidence.
History of Challenging Lease Relationships
Ngala revealed this isn't the first time a foreign lessor has left the Nigerian airline stranded. He recalled a previous incident with Syphax Airlines of Tunisia, which allegedly disappeared with over $2 million belonging to Air Peace after claiming its aircraft required maintenance. The aircraft never returned, and the funds remain unaccounted for.
Nigerian airlines routinely face hostile or unfair treatment in global leasing arrangements, and this latest episode underscores the magnitude of these challenges, according to Ngala's assessment.
Recovery Efforts Underway
Despite the significant setbacks, Air Peace has begun its recovery process. Ngala confirmed that two of the airline's own aircraft have completed maintenance and returned to service, with more expected to follow in the coming days. Full operational normalcy is anticipated to resume next week.
The chief commercial officer apologized to passengers for the inconvenience caused but reaffirmed the airline's commitment to safe and reliable service. He added that Air Peace is pursuing all available remedies to recover funds owed by SmartLynx and implementing measures to prevent similar issues in the future.
This incident occurs against the backdrop of another recent safety scare for the airline, when an Air Peace flight from Abuja to Asaba suffered engine failure during take-off preparations in October, though that situation was successfully managed without casualties.
