National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) has commended Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for taking action it described as patriotic and professional by suspending Azman Air when the need called for it.
In a statement signed by its President, Engr. Abednego Galadima, NAAPE said: “We have read with total dismay the unbelievable response of Azman Air to the legitimate and professional regulatory safety oversight function performed by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) on its operations.
“It is unfortunate that Azman air chooses to view the action through parochial prism . The sentiments expressed by the airline are unnecessary and unhelpful to the critical safety issues raised by the authority, given the cited myriads of incontrovertible safety breaches.”
“Again, ” NAAPE said, “to interpret the patriotic NCAA act of ensuring that Nigerian Pilots and Aircraft Maintenance Engineers are considered first in employment in line with expatriates quota laws and executive order No 5 as vindictive is to demonstrate crass disdain for our laws.
“A situation where the operators intimidates / blackmail the regulator or tries to write it’s own regulation or are in cozy relationship with the regulator should never be allowed in the Nigerian aviation sector.”
The body of aircraft pilots and engineers, also commend NCAA under the able leadership of Capt Musa Nuhu as Director General saying, “we pass a vote of confidence on his stewardship since he assumed office February 2020.”
The body the body therefore, call on the aviation community and well-meaning Nigerians to support the regulator in its onerous task of ensuring safety and security of the airspace and equipment.
It also advised Azman air to cooperate with the regulatory authority by opening up its books for full safety audit and desist from engaging in this type of distractive overtures and blackmail in the overall interest of the traveling public and Nigeria.
