Nigerian airline Air Peace has promoted two of its Senior First Officers, Felix Adebambo and Emmanuel Adeniji, to the rank of Captain on its Embraer 195-E2 aircraft fleet.

The promotion was formalised during a decoration ceremony held at the airline’s corporate headquarters in Lagos, attended by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Allen Ifechukwu Onyema, senior flight operations officials and members of the pilots’ families.The ceremony also featured the Director of Flight Operations, Captain James Onipe, and the Head of Training, Captain Gerald Udaya.

Speaking at the event, Captain Onipe commended the newly promoted pilots for their accumulated flight experience, strong performance during training and successful completion of the rigorous assessments required for their elevation.He described their promotion as recognition of their technical competence, discipline and readiness to take on the greater responsibilities associated with aircraft command.

Captain Udaya also reminded the officers that becoming a captain comes with increased responsibility, particularly in making sound operational decisions, following established procedures and protecting the lives of passengers and crew members. In their separate remarks, the newly promoted captains expressed appreciation to the airline’s management and instructors for their support, mentorship and investment in their professional development.

Adeniji, who described himself as an “Air Peace Baby”, revealed that his aviation journey began when the airline sponsored his flight training. He said his promotion represented the fulfilment of a long-standing ambition and demonstrated the opportunities available to young Nigerian aviation professionals.Adebambo, on his part, recounted his transition from Aero Contractors to Air Peace, describing his experience with the airline as rewarding. He also acknowledged the company’s fleet expansion and investment in creating opportunities for professional advancement.

Both pilots pledged to uphold the airline’s standards through discipline, professionalism and responsible leadership.Onyema reiterates commitment to aviation safety

Addressing the newly promoted captains, Onyema congratulated them on their achievements, expressing pride in their professional advancement at relatively young ages.

He emphasised that technical competence alone was not enough to make a successful aircraft commander, stressing that integrity, good character, discipline and sound judgment were equally important.Onyema reiterates commitment to aviation safety

Addressing the newly promoted captains, Onyema congratulated them on their achievements, expressing pride in their professional advancement at relatively young ages.

He emphasised that technical competence alone was not enough to make a successful aircraft commander, stressing that integrity, good character, discipline and sound judgment were equally important.The Air Peace chairman urged the pilots to avoid unnecessary risks and never allow operational pressure or the desire to demonstrate exceptional flying abilities to compromise passenger safety.

He specifically warned them against operating aircraft they considered unserviceable or flying under unfavourable weather conditions.According to Onyema, the airline’s management would support decisions genuinely taken in the interest of safety, even when such decisions could affect flight schedules.

He stressed that protecting passengers and crew members must always take priority over operational considerations.

Onyema also encouraged the new captains to remain humble, honest and accountable while demonstrating exemplary leadership both inside and outside the cockpit.The promotion highlights Air Peace’s continued investment in developing indigenous aviation professionals through structured training, mentorship and career advancement opportunities.

It also underscores the importance of strengthening Nigeria’s aviation workforce while maintaining high standards of operational safety and professionalism.