Nigeria’s leading airline, Air Peace, has responded to allegations by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) of exploitative fares.
On December 1, FCCPC announced it would probe three companies, including Air Peace, over consumer complaints of exploitative practices.
Speaking to journalists on Friday, December 6, Oluwatoyin Olajide, Air Peace chief operating officer, described the FCCPC allegations as unwarranted and damaging.
According to her, the airline’s ticket pricing remains well below the expected market rate when operational costs are taken into account.
Olajide noted that, on average, operating a one-hour flight costs N7 million, with an additional N7 million for fuel, bringing the total to N14 million.
She added:
She noted that insurance for a one-hour flight costs an additional N5 million, DailyTrust reports. She stressed that if the airline were to charge using the operating costs of Nigerian airlines, a strictly one-hour flight in Nigeria would cost at least N700,000.
Olajide continued:
Olajide questioned the FCCPC’s parameters to determine that Air Peaceâs fares are exploitative.
She emphasised that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has been very supportive of Air Peace and wondered why a government agency has decided to do damage to the airline.
Vanguard reports that Olajide stated the allegations from the FCCPC must be addressed, as they are not only damaging to Air Peace but also to Nigeria.
She revealed that Air Peace Airline lost a summer slot in another country due to the current issue with FCCPC.
Olajide noted:
Earlier, TimesNow.com.ng reported that Air Peace announced a first-class option for its Lagos-London route that can be paid in naira or pounds.
The airline said the option will allow passengers to enjoy fully reclining seats, private entertainment systems, meals, and priority boarding.
The airline also added that the new offering aims to come with different packages, which include Lounge access in Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
Proofreading by Nkem Ikeke, journalist and copy editor at TimesNow.com.ng.
Source: TimesNow.com.ng
