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Kemi Leke-Bamtefa: Marketing, Governance and a Legacy in African Aviation - by Daisy BARRO

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Kemi Leke-Bamtefa is South African Airways' (SAA) Country Manager for Nigeria. A prolific marketer, she is one of the most impactful women in Nigeria's aviation landscape, with airline executive experience of over two decades in sales management, marketing, governance and strategic planning. Her qualifications in sales and marketing coupled with her many years of experience made her a perfect fit for her current role as Country Manager for SAA in Nigeria, where she is responsible for the airline's operations.   An alumnus of the prestigious Lagos Business School in Nigeria, Leke-Bamtefa furthered her education in Advanced Sales Management at the University of Cape town, South Africa; after which she joined South African Airways in 2007 as Head of Sales and Marketing, responsible for growing the airline's market share in Nigeria. In September 2010, Kemi's stellar performance led to her appointment as the Regional Marketing Specialist for North West and Ce...

Ibom Air Marks 2026 World Malaria Day With Pharmaceutical Donation, Community Mobilization - By Daisy BARRO

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In observance of 2026 World Malaria Day, Ibom Air has executed a strategic handover of antimalarial pharmaceuticals to the State Malaria Elimination Programme, operating under the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Health. The intervention was delivered through the carrier’s flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) platform, FAMPact — Fight Against Malaria in Pregnant Women and Children Today. The consignment comprised 30,000 doses of Sulfadoxine-Pyrimethamine, 10,000 doses of Lokmal DT, and 10,000 doses of Paracetamol DT, intended to bolster therapeutic capacity and mitigate the disease burden within vulnerable demographics. The pharmaceuticals were formally presented on Thursday, April 24, 2026, a day preceding the global commemoration, by Ibom Air Chief Executive Officer Mr. George Uriesi, accompanied by members of the airline’s executive management. The materials were received by Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, on behalf of the state gove...

Onyema Receives Honoris Causa From ABSU, Reinforces Commitment to Human Capital Investment - By Daisy BARRO

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Abia State University has conferred the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Public Administration (Honoris Causa) on Dr. Allen Onyema, Chairman of Air Peace, the largest carrier in West and Central Africa. The award, which constitutes Onyema’s fourth honorary doctorate, was presented during proceedings aligned with the institution’s 32nd Convocation Ceremony.  The conferment took place in the presence of a delegation of senior academic administrators and aviation executives. Attendees included Vice Chancellor Prof. Ndukwe J. Okeudo; Pro-Chancellor and Governing Council Chairman Dr. Agwu U. Agwu; and Registrar Dr. Acho Elendu, who were joined by members of the university’s leadership and Air Peace’s management cadre. Addressing the convocation, Onyema reiterated his steadfast dedication to educational advancement and national progress, stating: “One thing is certain, I believe in education. Without education, the country is dead and whatever we must do to encourage education, t...

Adedayo Olawuyi Joins United Nigeria Airlines as Chief Commercial Officer - By Daisy BARRO

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United Nigeria Airlines has announced the appointment of Mr. Adedayo Olawuyi as Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), effective immediately. Olawuyi, a seasoned aviation professional with over 18 years of experience, brings a wealth of expertise in commercial strategy, network planning, revenue management, and business development to his new role. Prior to joining United Nigeria Airlines, Olawuyi served as Chief Commercial Officer at Uganda Airlines, where he played a key role in shaping the airline's commercial direction. He has also held senior leadership positions at Africa World Airlines (AWA) and EAN Aviation Limited, among others. "We are confident that his experience and leadership will enhance our commercial performance and support the achievement of our strategic growth objectives," the airline stated. As CCO, Olawuyi is expected to drive United Nigeria Airlines' expansion strategy, focusing on enhancing market competitiveness, improving customer experi...

ATSSSAN Pledges Seamless Industry Operations, Commends Nahco Management - By Daisy BARRO

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  The Air Transport Senior Staff Services Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN) has pledged to support seamless operations in the aviation sector, urging management of government agencies and companies to engage in collaborative discussions with workers' unions. During a courtesy visit to the Nigeria Aviation Handling Company (NAHCO), ATSSSAN President, John Ogbe, commended NAHCO's policies on staff welfare, saying, "When there are issues, we are open to discussions, we also want you to trust our local branches, we trust them to deal with management. They are not here to truncate or disrupt businesses." He added that the union is committed to supporting businesses and understands the importance of Nahco's services to the survival of other service providers. He went on to emphasize the importance of partnership between management and unions, stating, "We are your social partners, so the apprehension that unions always come for disruptions will not suffi...

Ethiopian Airlines to Reinstate Addis Ababa-Atlanta Direct Service - By Daisy BARRO

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Ethiopian Airlines (ET) is set to revive its direct passenger flights between Addis Ababa and Atlanta effective May 21, 2026, following a temporary suspension since February 2026. This development reestablishes a crucial link between Africa and the United States, catering to both corporate and leisure travelers. The airline will reconnect Addis Ababa Bole International Airport (ADD) with Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), offering flexibility and access to its extensive network. Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO, Mr. Mesfin Tasew, remarked, "Atlanta is one of the most vibrant markets in the United States, and Ethiopian Airlines is delighted to bring this route back into its network. The route serves growing demand from business travelers, members of the African diaspora, and tourists seeking convenient access to destinations across the African continent." Atlanta, a pivotal economic and cultural hub in the US, is home to one of the largest African ...

Air Peace Relaunches Direct Non-Stop Flights to the Caribbean - By Daisy BARRO

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Air Peace, West Africa's leading carrier, has announced the resumption of monthly direct flights from Lagos to Barbados via Antigua, effective May 24, 2026. This service will mark the only direct connection from West and Central Africa to the Caribbean, offering seamless travel options for business, leisure, and diaspora passengers. According to the airline, passengers can fly from around the region into Lagos and connect to the Caribbean using the following schedule: Lagos → Antigua: 06:00 – 15:00, Antigua → Barbados: 16:30 – 17:50, Barbados → Antigua: 13:00 – 14:20, and Antigua → Lagos: 15:50 – 01:50 (+1). The return flights will operate as follows: Barbados → Antigua: 13:00 – 14:20, Antigua → Lagos: 15:50 – 01:50 (+1), Lagos → Antigua: 06:00 – 15:00, and Antigua → Barbados: 16:30 – 17:50. The airline's Managing Director, stated that the carrier is committed to bridging continents and fostering stronger economic, cultural, and tourism ties between Nigeria and the ...