The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended the operations of 10 private jet operators for failing to comply with the recertification procedure and engaging in illegal commercial activities.
This decision was announced in a statement issued by the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr. Michael Achimugu, on Friday in Abuja.
According to the NCAA, holders of a Permit for Non-Commercial Flights (PNCF) are prohibited from using their aircraft for commercial purposes, such as carrying people, freight, or mail for hire or reward, under the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 Part 18.3.4.
The agency had earlier directed all PNCF holders to undergo re-evaluation, which should have been concluded by April 19, 2024. However, the affected operators failed to comply with this directive, leading to the suspension of their permits.
The suspended operators include Azikel Dredging Nigeria Ltd, Bli-Aviation Safety Services, Ferry Aviation Developments Ltd, Matrix Energy Ltd, Marrietta Management Services Ltd, Worldwide Skypaths Services, Mattini Airline Services Ltd, Aero Lead Ltd, Sky Bird Air Ltd, and Ezuma Jets Ltd.
The NCAA warned the public that it is illegal to engage PNCF holders for commercial purposes and stated that it will not hesitate to initiate enforcement actions against any PNCF holder found guilty of illegal operations.
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“The public is hereby notified that it is illegal to engage PNCF holders for commercial purposes. The NCAA will not hesitate to initiate enforcement actions against any PNCF holder found guilty of illegal operations,” the agency said.
The NCAA has stationed its representatives in airport private wings and General Aviation Terminals (GAT) to monitor the activities of PNCF holders and ensure compliance with the regulations.
This suspension is a culmination of the NCAA’s efforts to clamp down on illegal operations in the aviation industry. In recent times, the agency has been working to ensure that all operators comply with the regulations, and this suspension is a testament to their commitment to enforcing the rules.
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