The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced the immediate suspension of 10 private jet operators who failed to recertify their operations in line with the rules of engagement.
This was contained in a statement released on Friday and signed by Michael Achimugu, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of the Authority.
NCAA’s action drew strength from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023, Part 18.3.4, which states that holders of the Permit for Non-Commercial Flights (PNCF) are prohibited from using their aircraft for the carriage of passengers, cargo, or mail for hire or reward, which includes commercial operations or charter services.
To sanitise the charter operating space, the NCAA mandated all PNCF holders to undergo re-evaluation by April 19, 2024, to ensure compliance.
The suspended operators (PNCF holders) were said to have called the regulator’s bluff and refused to undergo a re-evaluation.
Consequently, the NCAA wielded the big stick by withdrawing the PNCFs of the following companies: 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 suspension serves as a stern warning to other operators about the consequences of illegal operations.
To further curb illegal activities, NCAA officials have been deployed to General Aviation Terminals (GAT) and private wings of airports to closely monitor the operations of PNCF holders.
The heightened surveillance is part of the NCAA’s broader effort to ensure the integrity and safety of Nigeria’s aviation sector.
The crackdown on illegal private jet operations underscores the federal government’s commitment to maintaining high standards in the aviation industry and protecting the public from unregulated and potentially unsafe air travel.
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