I am ardent user of Virgin Atlantic that I have a gold card with them. I always enjoyed their flights . Quite reliable and professional.
I also fly BA a lot too . I have also flown several other airlines including Emirate, Air America etc , so I have a lot of flying experience.
Then I needed to travel to Lagos from London this September and I thought to try Airpeace . Somehow I was sceptical. Nigerian factor must come to play , I kept saying to myself .
However despite my scepticism I booked the flight . It wasn’t cheap, relatively.
Dr. Chin Akano
Two days before my flight , I got emails and text messages from Airpeace advising location of check in, time and deadlines . Hmmm this is good , I thought . I was still looking for Nigerian factor .
On 7/9/24 I got to Gatwick Airport , South terminal to check in . I expected chaos there . Wow the check-in process was seamless and same standard as would BA or Virgin Atlantic .
I said perhaps the boarding will be chaotic . Nigerian factor must come to play. Hmmm boarding was seamless and same as BA and Virgin Atlantic .
We boarded and took our seats .
First we were welcomed by elegant looking cabin crew adorning that traditional jackets .
We were told our captain was the husband of the actress Omotola.
So I was a bit unsure lol .
Take off was perfect . International standards.
Then the cabin crew came around and I expected those poor customer services that Nigerians are known for .
Omg these ones beat Virgin Atlantic and BA standards . They were all very well trained . Very nice , helpful , dutiful , pleasant and highly professional.
I had to take the name of the lady that served my side of the cabin . Margaret from Benue state . Madam asked why I needed her name lol but I was wowed. I was so impressed with the services and how professional she was . She was simply outstanding.
The food were sumptuous. I enjoyed 4 course meals with choice drinks . The egusi soup was out of the world .
We landed in Lagos and flight was so smooth . At some point during the flight , the captain came to our cabin to say hello and asked if we were enjoying the flight .
I always feel on edge when I see the Captain in the Cabin while the plain is several thousands above the sea level lol. Anyway he was quite nice .
The flight was so memorable and eventful . The aircraft was a Boeing 777 , so it was quite luxurious and cosy .
Anyway I said to myself , that this may be a one off . To wait till my return flight to London before reviewing. It may be a fluke .
On 17/9 back to London from the new terminal at MMA Lagos .
The same experience. The cabin crew Nana from Ghana and Ehi from Edo state that served our cabin were outstanding . They were simply electric.
Flight back to London was smooth and the whole process seamless .
Honestly Airpeace has given me that belief that Nigeria doesn’t fail in everything we do .
We can do as well and even better than international peers .
I pray that this standard is maintained and no spirit of Nigerian factor penetrates at any point.
For now I ain’t doing Virgin and surely don’t mind loosing my gold card to enjoy the lovely services of Airpeace .
I also feel happy patronising an indigenous airline that their services are even better than the foreign ones .
Up Airpeace
Dr Chin Akano
22/9/24