Handsome businessman and lawyer, Allen Onyema, still can’t comprehend why rather than appreciate and applaud the good work he’s doing in our aviation sector, with the coming of his Air Peace, some jobless souls and rumour mongers have chosen instead to be peddling false tales about him and his business. These rumour mongers, since the airline berthed on October 24, 2014, have been alleging that it belongs to the wife of Nigeria’s President, Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan – Patience. Their reason, perhaps, could be because Mrs. Jonathan is fondly addressed as Mama Peace. But refuting that in an exclusive interview with Air Tranport Quarterly, the Mbosi, Ihiala, Anambra born astute businessman had this to say to them: “I don’t even react to that because it is not necessary. I want people to make my day in court some day; we know of a particular airline owner who has bribed some people to write something in the press. We are just following and some people have agreed to come out to say yes this happened. Sooner or later, you will hear what will happen. So it is not enough to try to undermine somebody because of competition and you will be posting all sorts of news out there. It is not something I want to be addressing because it does not exist”.
Onyema, YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine gathered, has been contending with all sorts of things from those who feel threatened by his coming into the aviation sector. Particularly because of his style and for choosing to be different from the pack. For instance; and bent on changing the face of the sector, Air Peace currently boasts of the most experienced pilots in the country; the most courteous staff; maximum maintenance of their planes (by BCT Aviation Maintenance Company); landing and taking off with so much ease; regular training of their workers and respect for time. Still very young in the business, the airline which commenced full operations only about 4 months ago flew over 80,000 passengers before hitting 100 days – and Onyema, the MD, has Nigerians and the Almighty God to thank for that. Interested in owning an airline since 1998, his initial plan didn’t sail through then because some of his partners pulled out at some point. But undaunted, he continued pushing until Air Peace arrived. With a staff strenght of over 300, seven different brands of aircraft in their fleet, the man came really prepared and ready to not only fly, but also rule and dominate the airspace. Naming all his aircraft after his dearest ones like his mother, father, wife and children – Helen, Chinonso, Ugochukwu, Michael, etc – the motto of the airline – Your Peace, Our Goal – is also unmistakeable. Coupled with their pledge to be safe, reliable, courteous and peaceful in all their dealings with their customers.
A legal practitioner who has been into practice since 1990, his real estate business also dates back to 1992 – with so many gigantic projects to their credit. Equally into the importation of electronics, on a wholesale basis, one of the major reasons he named his airline – Air Peace – is because he cherishes peace so much. And not because of any connection with Mrs. Patience Jonathan or any other person for that matter. Like his trembling competitors have continued to mouth and spread all over town.