Air Peace Limited has promoted Senior First Officer Solomon Ayegba to the rank of Captain on its modern Embraer 195-E2 fleet, underscoring the airline’s strong commitment to structured career progression, capacity building, and the continuous strengthening of its flight operations.
The ceremonial decoration took place at the airline’s corporate headquarters in Ikeja, Lagos, in the presence of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Allen Ifechukwu Onyema, alongside top management officials. Also in attendance were the 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. Senior flight operations personnel, colleagues, and members of Captain Ayegba’s family were equally present, adding a personal and emotional dimension to the occasion.
Captain Ayegba’s promotion marks the culmination of a remarkable seven-year career with Air Peace, characterised by discipline, consistency, and an unblemished professional record. He joined the airline in 2018 as a Second Officer on the Embraer 145 and made history as the first Second Officer to transition to the Embraer E195 platform. Through dedication and adherence to Air Peace’s rigorous operational and training standards, he steadily progressed through the ranks to Senior First Officer and now Captain on the airline’s flagship E2 fleet.
Speaking at the ceremony, the Director of Flight Operations, Captain Augustin Kamano, described Ayegba’s elevation as a testament to merit and professionalism within Air Peace’s flight crew system.
“Captain Ayegba has demonstrated exceptional learning ability, discipline, and professionalism throughout his career,” Kamano said. “He has no record of incidents, accidents, or disciplinary issues, and his performance in training, simulator checks, and line operations has been consistently outstanding.”
Captain Kamano confirmed that Ayegba successfully completed all required command courses, simulator evaluations, and final proficiency checks. He added that strong endorsements from Captain José Calvino and other training captains affirmed Ayegba’s technical competence, sound judgment, and readiness to assume command of the Embraer E195-E2 aircraft.
Also speaking, Deputy Head of Training, Captain José Calvino, praised Ayegba’s calm temperament and strict adherence to standard operating procedures, noting that his transition to captaincy was well-earned.
“He proved himself under one of the most demanding training frameworks,” Calvino said. “His discipline, humility, and respect for procedures stood out clearly, and these are essential qualities for command.”
In his keynote address, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Allen Ifechukwu Onyema, congratulated Captain Ayegba, describing the attainment of captaincy as a defining milestone in a pilot’s career. He reminded the newly decorated Captain that command goes beyond technical skill and rests heavily on character, 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.”
Responding, Captain Solomon Ayegba expressed deep gratitude to the management of Air Peace for the opportunity and trust placed in him. He acknowledged the mentorship and guidance he received throughout his journey, describing the airline as an environment where growth and excellence are deliberately nurtured.
“I am sincerely grateful to the management of Air Peace for believing in me and for providing a system that rewards discipline and hard work,” he said. “I thank my instructors, superiors, and colleagues for their patience, guidance, and support over the years.”
Captain Ayegba paid special tribute to Dr. Onyema, noting that the Chairman’s leadership philosophy and emphasis on safety and professionalism have been a constant source of motivation. He also acknowledged the support of his wife, a Senior Cabin Crew member with Air Peace, describing her understanding of the demands of aviation as critical to his success.
The ceremony, witnessed by his wife and children, highlighted the importance of family support in achieving professional excellence in aviation.
With this latest promotion, Air Peace further strengthens its reputation as a pilot-centric airline dedicated to developing indigenous talent through robust training programmes, modern aircraft, and a safety-first culture. Captain Ayegba’s elevation once again positions the airline as a leading institution for building world-class aviation professionals in Africa.
