Air Peace Releases Seized Airbus A320 After Settlement With SmartLynx
Nigerian airline, Air Peace, has reportedly released the Airbus A320 aircraft it impounded at the Lagos airport to Latvia-linked leasing company, SmartLynx Airlines, six months after the dispute between both parties began.
The aircraft was released following an out-of-court settlement reached by both companies after Air Peace accused SmartLynx of breaching their leasing agreement in November last year.
The airline had alleged that the leasing company suddenly withdrew two aircraft from its operations and ensured a third aircraft remained grounded in Lagos, causing major disruptions to its flight schedule.
Air Peace also claimed the development led to severe operational and financial losses estimated at over $15 million.
Although the exact date the aircraft was released was not disclosed, sources familiar with the matter confirmed that the plane was released this week and has already been moved to Spain.
Speaking earlier on the dispute, Air Peace Chief Commercial Officer, Nowel Ngala, described the withdrawal of the aircraft as a violation of the agreement between both parties and contrary to standard industry practice.
He explained that the aircraft had already been scheduled for operations, adding that their sudden withdrawal led to delays and flight cancellations across the airline’s network.
Ngala also stated that Air Peace and SmartLynx had maintained a business relationship for four years before the disagreement occurred.
According to him, Air Peace had paid more than $5 million to the leasing company, including over $1 million in security deposits for the three aircraft involved.
A source close to the airline disclosed that the release of the aircraft followed a negotiated settlement between both parties.
The source added that Air Peace remained committed to honouring agreements reached with its business partners.
When contacted, Air Peace spokesperson, Efe Osifo-Whiskey, declined immediate comments on the development, promising to respond later.
Similarly, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, Michael Achimugu, said he was not aware of the matter at the time he was contacted but promised to provide further clarification later.
