The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended the operations of ten private jet operators over their failures to start recertification processes.
To do this, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) invoked the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (NCARs) 2023 Part 18.3.4 which forbids holders of Non Commerccial Flights (PNCF) from using their aircraft for CARRIAGE OF PASSENGERS, CARGO or MAIL for HIRE or REWARD (commercial operation or charter services)
A press statement by the Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at NCAA, Michael Achimugu said, “as a result of flagrant disregard of this rule, the NCAA had earlier directed all holders of Permit for Non Commerccial Flights (PNCF) to undergo re-evaluation which should have been concluded by the 19th of April 2024.
The private jet operators whose PNCF licences are suspended by NCAA are: 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.
Achimugu who therefore notified the general public that it is illegal to engage PNCF holders for commercial purposes, warned that NCAA will not hesitate to initiate enforcement actions against any PNCF holders found guilty of illegal operations.
“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 NCAA spokesperson said.
He added, “Furthermore, NCAA officials have been deployed to General Aviation Terminals (GAT) and private wings of the airports to monitor activities of the PNCF holders.”
