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We have no intention of detaining Smartlynx aircraft –Air Peace
…As airline drags lessor to court over breach of contract
By Chinelo Obogo
Air Peace has stated that it has no intention of detaining any lessor’s aircraft in Nigeria or anywhere else. In a statement, the airline said that its current issues with the trio of Smartlynx Airlines Malta Limited, SIA Smartlynx Airlines, and Smartlynx Estonia OU stem from the operation of damp lease agreements involving four aircraft, during which it alleged that Smartlynx defrauded of several millions of dollars. This, the airline said, is in addition to the disruptions of its operations during peak season which resulted in reputational and operational damage to the airline.
“During the operation of the lease, Smartlynx deliberately defrauded Air Peace and fraudulently obtained several advance payments under the pretext that it would operate the agreed block hours. Smartlynx fully knew, months before receiving these payments, that it had no intention of operating the prepaid block hours, yet it continued to demand and receive payments from Air Peace under false pretences.
“As of the date of this press statement, Air Peace’s total losses stand at $38,042,843.84 (Thirty-eight million, forty-two thousand, eight hundred and forty-three dollars and eighty-four cents). This situation led to the initiation of court proceedings by Air Peace against Smartlynx,” Air Peace said.
