Firstnation: We have complied
After a long waiting for action, Nigerian Civil The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) finally used its harmer by suspending the Air Operators Certificate (AOC) of First Nation Airways indefinitely.
NCAA said it took the action because of the airline’s continuous and flagrant violation of the terms and conditions of issuance of the certificate
“The suspension is sequel to the flagrant and continuous violation of the terms and conditions of issuance of it AOC by the Airline thereby carrying out unauthorised and illegal operations,” stated NCAA
This suspension was conveyed to the Airline via a letter with reference no. NCAA/DG/CSLA/RM/1-06/18/2304 dated May 11, 2018, signed by the Director General.
The letter titled NOTICE OF SUSPENSION OF AIR OPERATORS CERTIFICATE was delivered to the Airline on the same day, Friday, 1May, 2018 and First Nation Airways has acknowledged receipt.
Meanwhile the airline in a statement made available to African Business Travel News (ABTN) denied the allegations saying it has complied with extant regulations and that it ddoes not have any safety related issue in its operations.
“We are reluctant to join issues, in the media with NCAA, as we believe that Regulation through media sensationalism will ultimately NOT serve the industry well. Except to reiterate that we respect regulations and have immediately complied with NCAA’s directive. It is also a matter of fact, that we presented two airworthy aircraft, to the Authority as far back as September 2017. It is therefore apparent that the context of our operation vis a vis compliance with the extant regulations and Government’s policy have been misconstrued.. It is pertinent to add that the allegations are NOT safety related and that our operation achieved above industry dispatch reliability of over 95% and reputed for on time performance and schedule integrity. The operating aircraft and crew hold the relevant, safety critical approvals and authorisations,: the airline stated.
NCAA in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Sam Adurogboye explained that at expiration of its AOC, Firstnation did not abide by regulations regarding the renewal of the certificate. This, Adurogboye explained prompted the regulatory authority to downgrade the airline’s scheduled operations to non scheduled operations which the airline refused to comply with.
He added that when the infraction, was reported to NCAA, the Civil aviation said it communicated it to the airline and insisted it would be investigated.
“The letter revealed that when the AOC of First Nation Airways expired, the airline did not have at least two (2) airworthy aircraft capable of servicing its approved schedule as required by Part 9.1.1.6(b)(2) (ii) of Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulation (Nig.CARS) 2015.
“Consequently, the Airline’s Air Operators Certificate (AOC) was, upon renewal, restricted to non-scheduled operation, (Charter) only.
“However, First Nation Airways embarked on scheduled operations with continuous advertisement of its services and sold tickets at its Check-in counters in Lagos and Abuja Airports.
“The Authority had earlier notified the Airline that it was investigating these violations. Subsequently, by a letter dated 31st August 2017, the Airline was directed to stop the illegal operations forthwith, warning that failure to desist would lead to a suspension of its operating authorisation.
“On further investigation, it was discovered that the Airline had disregarded all warnings and continued with the unauthorised and illegal operations in violation of its AOC terms and conditions of issuance.
“This is contrary to the provisions of Part 9.1.1.4(d) of the Nig.CARS 2015 which provides that “Each AOC holder shall at all times, continue in compliance with the AOC terms and conditions of issuance, and maintenance requirements in order to hold that certificate.”
The Authority has therefore determined that, pursuant to Section 35(2),(3) (a) (ii) and (4) of the Civil Aviation Act, 2006, First Nation Airways is no longer fit to operate air transport business under the authority of the AOC.
“Accordingly, the Airline’s AOC has been suspended indefinitely, with effect from the 11th May, 2018, when it received the notice,” NCAA said..
The Civil aviation authority added that the operators of the Airline are expected to return the AOC to the Authority’s Director of Operations and Training within seven (7) days of receiving the letter.
It however said that it would review the airline’s operations and restore the AOC to enable it commence operations anytime Firstnation demonstrates ability and willingness to comply with the extant regulations,
