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Air Peace promotes Felix Adebambo and Emmanuel Adeniji from Senior First Officers to Captains on its Embraer 195-E2 fleet.
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Chairman Allen Onyema warns the new captains against compromising safety, insisting that operational pressure must never override sound professional judgment.
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Adeniji credits Air Peace’s sponsorship of his flight training for his career progression, while Adebambo highlights opportunities created by the airline’s expansion.
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Onyema stresses that character, integrity and leadership are as important as technical competence in aircraft command.
November 6, (THEWILL) – Air Peace Limited has promoted two of its Senior First Officers, Felix Adebambo and Emmanuel Adeniji, to the rank of Captain on its Embraer 195-E2 fleet, reaffirming its commitment to aviation safety, professional development and the growth of indigenous pilot capacity.
The promotions, which mark a significant milestone in the careers of the two pilots, were announced at a decoration ceremony held at the airline’s corporate headquarters in Lagos.
The event was attended by the airline’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Allen Onyema; Director of Flight Operations, Capt. James Onipe; Head of Training, Capt. Gerald Udaya; and members of the families of the newly promoted captains.
Pilots Meet Promotion Requirements
Speaking at the ceremony, Onipe highlighted the career progression of both officers, commending their accumulated flight experience, performance during training and successful completion of the rigorous assessments required for promotion.
He said their promotion demonstrated their technical competence, discipline and readiness to assume the greater responsibilities associated with aircraft command.
Udaya, in his remarks, stressed the importance of strict adherence to operational procedures, sound judgement and an uncompromising commitment to safety.
He reminded the officers that the privilege of commanding an aircraft came with greater responsibility for protecting passengers and crew and maintaining the airline’s operational standards.
The highlight of the ceremony was the decoration of the two officers with Captain epaulettes, formally marking their transition from Senior First Officers to aircraft commanders.
Pilots Credit Air Peace for Career Progression
In their remarks, the newly promoted captains expressed appreciation to the airline’s management and instructors for their mentorship, investment and confidence in their abilities.
Adeniji, who described himself as an “Air Peace Baby”, said his journey with the airline began when it sponsored his flight training. He described his promotion as the fulfilment of a long-held ambition and a reflection of the airline’s commitment to developing aviation professionals by providing opportunities for career advancement.
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Adebambo, who joined Air Peace from Aero Contractors, also described his experience with the airline as rewarding. He acknowledged the airline’s growth, sustained fleet acquisitions and expanding opportunities for professional development.
Both pilots pledged to justify the confidence reposed in them through professionalism, discipline and exemplary leadership in their new positions.
Onyema Warns Against Safety Compromises
Congratulating the newly promoted captains, Onyema expressed pride in their achievement, particularly their attainment of the rank at a relatively young age.
He said technical proficiency was necessary for aircraft command but stressed that character, integrity and leadership were equally important in determining a pilot’s effectiveness.
“Character is everything. Character can take you to places you never imagined. How you handle leadership, both within and outside the cockpit, will determine the altitude you attain in life”, he said.
The chairman also warned the pilots against unnecessary risks and decisions that could endanger passengers and crew, insisting that safety must take precedence over operational considerations.
“We don’t want heroics in aircraft. If, in your best judgment, an aircraft is not serviceable or the weather conditions are unfavourable, don’t fly. Nobody will force you to compromise safety. In aviation, what we preach above everything else is safety”, Onyema said.
He assured the officers that management would support decisions genuinely taken in the interest of safety, urging them to uphold honesty, accountability and sound professional judgment in the discharge of their duties.
Onyema also congratulated their families and encouraged the new captains to remain humble, demonstrate good character and lead by example as they assume their expanded responsibilities.
Felix Ifijeh is a journalist with years of professional reporting experience. Known for his keen news sense, compelling storytelling and commitment to accurate, impactful reporting, he has built a reputation for turning leads into clear, engaging, and well-structured reports that resonate with readers. His work reflects deep newsroom experience and a commitment to accurate, impactful journalism.
