Air Peace Elevates Two Captains to Key Flight Operations Roles
West and Central Africa’s largest airline, Air Peace, has elevated two Captains to key flight operations leadership positions. Captains James Adaviruku Onipe and Ikechukwu Paul-Ugochukwu become Director of Flight Operations (DFO) and Chief Pilot (CP) respectively. The appointments take effect on November 1, 2026, as the airline strengthens its leadership structure and prepares for continued operational growth.
The appointments highlight Air Peace’s commitment to developing experienced aviation professionals and maintaining high operational standards. Both Captains bring extensive industry experience, technical expertise and pilot training credentials to their new responsibilities.
Captains Onipe and Paul-Ugochukwu Bring Extensive Experience
Captain Onipe brings almost two decades of airline experience across multiple aircraft fleets. He currently serves as Air Peace’s Embraer 145 Fleet Manager, Trainer and Check Airman. His professional background covers flight safety, crew proficiency, operational efficiency and regulatory compliance. These responsibilities have equipped him with relevant expertise for overseeing flight operations and supporting the airline’s expanding activities.
Meanwhile, Captain Paul-Ugochukwu brings 22 years of aviation industry experience to his new position. He currently serves as a Boeing 777 Type Rating Instructor and Check Airman. His work involves pilot training, technical proficiency and maintaining operational standards. His appointment is expected to strengthen the airline’s flight crew management and training framework.
Both appointments place experienced aviation professionals in critical positions within Air Peace’s operational leadership structure. Their backgrounds in training, fleet management and flight standards align with the responsibilities associated with their new roles.
Leadership Changes Follow Air Peace Group Promotions
The appointments follow the elevation of outgoing Director of Flight Operations, Captain Augustin Kamano, and former Chief Pilot, Captain Martin Okunpolor, to higher positions within the Air Peace Group.
The leadership changes reflect the airline’s approach to recognising experience and supporting career progression. In addition, the transitions demonstrate its focus on developing internal talent and maintaining leadership continuity across its operations.
As the handover process begins, Air Peace is expected to maintain its focus on professional standards, aviation talent development and operational efficiency. The leadership transition also comes as the airline continues building the management capacity needed to support its expanding operations.
Air Peace has congratulated Captains Onipe and Paul-Ugochukwu on their appointments and wished them success in their new responsibilities. Their elevation marks another leadership development within the airline’s flight operations structure.
The appointments position both Captains to contribute their technical knowledge and professional experience to the airline’s operational ambitions. Their leadership will be important in supporting flight safety, crew development and compliance with established aviation standards.
As the November 1 effective date approaches, the airline’s leadership transition underscores the importance of experienced personnel in managing complex flight operations. Air Peace continues to emphasise professional development and leadership succession as part of its broader growth strategy.
