Air Peace Promotes SFO Solomon Ayegba to Captain on E2 Fleet

In a demonstration of its unwavering commitment to structured career progression, world-class capacity building, and the continuous strengthening of its flight operations, West and Central Africa’s powerhouse airline, Air Peace Limited, has elevated Senior First Officer Solomon Ayegba to the rank of Captain on its state-of-the-art Embraer 195-E2 fleet.

The ceremonial decoration took place at the airline’s corporate headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos, and was attended by the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Allen Ifechukwu Onyema; Director of Flight Operations, Captain Augustin Kamano; Head of Training, Captain Gerald Udaya; Deputy Head of Training, Captain José Calvino; and the Head of Human Resources, Mrs. Osinaka Ifedigbo, alongside senior management officials, flight operations personnel, and family members of the newly elevated Captain.

Captain Ayegba’s elevation marks the culmination of a distinguished seven-year professional journey with Air Peace, defined by discipline, consistency, and exceptional performance. He joined the airline in 2018 as a Second Officer on the Embraer 145, and went on to become the first Second Officer to transition to the Embraer E195 platform, steadily progressing through the ranks under the airline’s rigorous training and operational standards.

Speaking during the ceremony, Director of Flight Operations, Captain Augustin Kamano, described Ayegba’s progression as a clear reflection of merit, professionalism, and strong character.

“Captain Ayegba has demonstrated exceptional learning ability, discipline, and professionalism. He has no record of incidents, accidents, or disciplinary issues, and his performance during training and line operations has been consistently outstanding,” Kamano said.

He further confirmed that Captain Ayegba successfully completed all required command courses, simulator checks, and final proficiency evaluations, with strong endorsements from Captain José Calvino and other training captains, who attested to his competence, conduct, and readiness to assume command of the Embraer E2 aircraft.

Also speaking, Deputy Head of Training, Captain José Calvino, commended Ayegba’s performance under Air Peace’s demanding training framework, noting that his transition to captaincy was earned through dedication, discipline, and strict adherence to standard operating procedures.

Delivering a keynote charge, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Allen Ifechukwu Onyema, congratulated the newly decorated Captain, describing the attainment of captaincy as the pinnacle of a pilot’s professional journey. He emphasized that command is anchored not only on technical expertise, but on humility, integrity, and an uncompromising commitment to safety.

“Captaincy is about responsibility, not authority,” Dr. Onyema said. “Never take unnecessary risks, never abuse your position, and never lose your humility. At Air Peace, safety is non-negotiable, and character must always match competence.”

In an emotional response, Captain Solomon Ayegba expressed profound gratitude to the management of Air Peace for the opportunity and trust placed in him, acknowledging the leadership and mentorship he received throughout his career.

“I am deeply grateful to the management of Air Peace for believing in me and providing an environment where growth, discipline, and excellence are deliberately nurtured,” Ayegba said. “I sincerely thank my superiors, instructors, and colleagues for their guidance, patience, and unwavering support throughout this journey.”

He reserved special appreciation for Dr. Onyema, describing the Chairman’s confidence in him as a defining motivator.

“I thank the Chairman, Dr. Allen Onyema, for the trust he has reposed in me. His leadership philosophy and emphasis on safety, integrity, and professionalism have shaped me not just as a pilot, but as a person. I do not take this responsibility lightly.”

Captain Ayegba also acknowledged the invaluable support of his wife, a Senior Cabin Crew member with Air Peace, describing her understanding of the demands of aviation as instrumental to his success.

“My deepest appreciation goes to my wife, who fully understands the rigours of this profession and has been my strongest pillar of support. Having a partner who shares the same aviation values and commitment to safety has made this journey truly meaningful,” he added.

The ceremony, witnessed by Captain Ayegba’s wife and children, underscored the human side of the milestone, celebrating not just professional achievement but the family support systems that sustain excellence in aviation.

This elevation further reinforces Air Peace’s reputation as a pilot-centric airline, deeply invested in indigenous talent development and structured career growth. Through robust training programmes, modern aircraft, and a safety-first culture, the airline continues to set benchmarks in aviation professionalism across Africa.

With Captain Solomon Ayegba’s ascent to command on the Embraer E2 fleet, Air Peace once again affirms its position not only as a market leader in air transport, but as a formidable institution for developing world-class aviation professionals.