Air Peace has accused its aircraft lessor, SmartLynx Airlines, of abruptly and unlawfully withdrawing four wet-leased aircraft, a move the Nigerian carrier says triggered widespread flight delays and cancellations across its network over the past week.
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Speaking to journalists on Friday, the airline’s Chief Commercial Officer, Mr. Nowel Ngala, said SmartLynx’s action was taken without prior notice and in violation of contractual and industry standards.
Ngala explained that Air Peace entered into the wet-lease agreement due to ongoing scheduled maintenance of 13 of its own aircraft abroad. The leased aircraft were intended to fill operational gaps and ensure uninterrupted service, especially during peak travel periods.
However, SmartLynx allegedly recalled the aircraft despite receiving more than 5 million dollars from Air Peace, including over 1 million dollars in security deposits. Ngala claimed the lessor knowingly withheld the information that the rightful owners of the aircraft were set to repossess them because SmartLynx had defaulted on its own financial obligations.
“These aircraft had been fully rostered for scheduled flights. Their sudden withdrawal was not only unprofessional but also fraudulent and premeditated,” Ngala said.
He added that the airline has recorded more than 15 million dollars in losses due to the disruptions and noted that other global carriers leasing aircraft from SmartLynx had faced similar treatment.
“We consider this action by SmartLynx to be a serious breach of contract, fraudulent, and a premeditated scheme that has inflicted financial loss and reputational damage not just on Air Peace, but on the Nigerian travelling public,” he said.
Despite the setback, Ngala confirmed that Air Peace has released three of the four aircraft to their rightful owners in good faith, while insisting on a full refund from SmartLynx. He also recalled a previous experience with Tunisia’s Syphax Airlines, which allegedly disappeared with more than 2 million dollars after claiming an aircraft was being taken for maintenance.
“This pattern reflects the broader challenges Nigerian carriers face in international leasing arrangements,” he noted.
In a positive update, Ngala said some Air Peace aircraft that had been undergoing maintenance have returned to Nigeria, with two already back in service. The airline expects full operations to resume across all routes next week as more aircraft arrive.
He apologised to passengers for the inconvenience, assuring travellers that the airline would hold all defaulting partners accountable and take steps to prevent a recurrence.
Ngala also hinted at possible legal action, stressing that SmartLynx’s decision amounted to a clear breach of contract.
SmartLynx an ACMI, cargo, and charter operator with a fleet of 67 aircraft has reportedly been facing severe financial trouble, with debts exceeding 238 million euros, according to industry sources.
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