At a time when many airlines are struggling to stay buoyant and return to normalcy from being rocked by adverse effects of COVID-19, the employees of Air Peace are thrilled to benefit from 10%, 80% and 100% salary increments, according to each worker’s grade.
The unsuspecting workers were stunned on May 31, 2021 when they each received their salaries with the said unexpected bonuses. In their joy, they sang the praises of the airline’s Chairman/CEO, Barr. Allen Onyema as they accosted him at the domestic terminal of the Murtala Muhammed Airport (MMA2).
Florence Opiah, the Cabin Services Manager for Air Peace had this to say about the increment: “The increase came at a time when we are not operating many flights. We used to operate 135 flights a day, but now we operate relatively fewer ones and he still gave us such an increase across the board; to everybody. It was shocking. We could not believe it.”
She went on to say that the raise will encourage Air Peace’ workers to do more for the company, might even prevent others from quitting their jobs and might lure workers of other airlines to seek positions in Air Peace. She prayed that God will continue to protect Barr. Onyema, and assured him that his kindness will never be taken for granted.
On his part, the Air Peace boss revealed his motivation for the unexpected move: “My motivation comes from God Almighty. I have told Nigerians and the world at large that I created Air Peace because of the love of my country: to create jobs and help my fellow countrymen and women.”
He continued by sharing his vision for the future with the words, “I am looking forward to a Nigerian airline where the workers in generations to come will be able to say, ‘My great-great-grandfather worked in Air Peace; my grandfather worked in Air Peace, here I am, working for Air Peace’”.
According to him, “it is the legacy that matters”, and a little generosity will go a long way to assist his staff to go through the difficult moments faced by many workers in the aviation industry.
It is obvious, from the elation of his staff, that that generosity will not soon be forgotten.
