UK Aviation Authority Reports Air Peace for Gatwick Safety Breaches.
The London Gatwick Airport has lodged two mandatory occurrence reports with the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) concerning safety violations by Nigeria’s flag carrier airline, Air Peace. These reports, titled “United Kingdom SAFA Ramp Inspection Report” (reference number: CAA-UK-2024-0217) and “NATS Management System Safety Report,” detail the carrier’s safety breaches at Gatwick.
Key Points of the Reports:
- Safety Violations:
- The reports indicate various safety violations committed by Air Peace at Gatwick Airport.
- The UK’s Safety Assessment of Foreign Aircraft (SAFA) has also communicated these concerns to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
- NCAA’s Response:
- The NCAA, in a letter to Air Peace’s CEO (reference number: NCAA/DOLTS/APL/Vol.11/03624), emphasized the need for corrective actions. The letter, signed by General Manager Operations, Capt. O.O. Lawani, highlights the findings from the SAFA Ramp Inspection conducted on April 7, 2024, at 09:33 local time on a B777-200 aircraft (registration Number 5N-BE, S/N 28324).
Specific Issues Highlighted:
- Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) Concerns:
- The UK CAA identified that there was no operational approval for the EFB functions affecting safe aircraft operations.
- The flight captain acknowledged using an EFB for navigational purposes without proper mounting devices, charging points, or backup batteries.
- Required Corrective Actions:
- Air Peace is required to notify the NCAA of its corrective measures regarding these safety findings.
Background:
- Air Peace Operations to Gatwick:
- Air Peace commenced flights from Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos to London Gatwick on April 30, 2024, under the Bilateral Air Services Agreement (BASA) between Nigeria and the UK.
Related News:
- Gatwick Denies Dirty Tricks:
- In a related development, Gatwick Airport has denied allegations of unfair delays in granting slots to Air Peace.
- Broader Implications:
- The incident has broader implications for aviation safety and regulatory compliance for airlines operating internationally.
Conclusion:
The filing of these reports and the subsequent communication from the NCAA underline the importance of strict adherence to safety regulations. Air Peace must address these concerns to ensure continued operations and compliance with international aviation standards.
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