The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended 10 private jet operators for failing to begin the recertification process.
NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, stated that the suspension is based on the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 Part 18.3.4. This regulation prohibits Permit for Non-Commercial Flights (PNCF) holders from using their aircraft for commercial operations, such as carrying passengers, cargo, or mail for hire or reward.
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 emphasized that engaging PNCF holders for commercial purposes is illegal and warned of enforcement actions against violators.
In April, the NCAA had already suspended three private jet operators’ permits for commercial flights. Acting Director General, Chris Najomo noted that the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, had ordered the cessation of using private jets for commercial purposes in 2023, but some operators continued these practices.
In March 2024, the NCAA issued a stern warning to PNCF holders against engaging in commercial operations and deployed officials to monitor private jet activities at Nigerian airports. This increased surveillance led to the suspension of three more private operators for violating PNCF provisions and Part 9114 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023.
The NCAA, maintaining a zero-tolerance policy for regulation violations, has mandated that all non-commercial flight permit holders be re-evaluated by April 19, 2024. PNCF holders are required to submit relevant documents within 72 hours.
The NCAA also directed existing Air Operator Certificate (AOC) holders to ensure only aircraft listed in their Operation Specifications are used for charter services. AOC holders wishing to use PNCF-listed aircraft for charter operations must apply to the NCAA to adjust their specifications accordingly.
The NCAA urged the public not to patronize any airline charter operator without a valid Air Operator Certificate issued by the NCAA.
