NCAA, GROUNDS THE OPERATIONS OF TEN PRIVATE JET OPERATORS IN THE COUNTRY 05-07-24
By Sadiq Aminu The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, has grounded the operations of ten private jet operators in the country.
To this end, their permit to operate as non-commercial flight holders have been suspended.
The suspension according to a statement signed by the NCAA’s Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr. Michael Achimugu was due to their failure to commence re-certification process which concluded 19th of April 2024.
The recertification process embarked on by the NCAA was borne of the surveillance carried out that led to the discovery of private jet owners using their aircraft for commercial operation or charter services.
Mr Achimugu said, the NCAA Regulations 2023 Part 18.3.4 forbids holders of Permit Non-Commercial Flight from using their aircraft for carriage of passengers, cargo or mail for hire or reward.
As a result of flagrant disregard of this rule, he said, the NCAA earlier directed all holders of PNCF to undergo re-evaluation which had since ended.
Private jet operators whose permits have been suspended include, Azikel Dredging Nigeria Ltd, Bli-Aviation Safety Services, Ferry Aviation Developments Ltd, Matrix Energy Ltd, Marrietta Management Services Ltd.
Others are, Worldwide Skypaths Services, Mattini Airline Services Ltd, Aero Lead Ltd, Sky Bird Air Ltd and Ezuma Jets Ltd.
The NCAA spokesman warned that, the regulatory authority will not hesitate to initiate enforcement actions against any PNCF holder found guilty of illegal operations.
He disclosed that, NCAA officials have been deployed to General Aviation Terminals (GAT) and private wings of the airports to monitor activities of the PNCF holders.
“The public is hereby notified that it is illegal to engage PNCF holders for commercial purposes”.