The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended the operations of 10 private jet operators for failing to initiate the recertification process mandated by the authority.
In a statement signed by Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, the suspension was based on Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 Part 18.3.4.
This regulation prohibits holders of Permits for Non-Commercial Flights (PNCF) from using their aircraft for commercial purposes, such as the carriage of passengers, cargo, or mail for hire or reward.
The suspended operators 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
- Ezuma Jets Ltd
The NCAA emphasized that engaging PNCF holders for commercial purposes is illegal and warned that enforcement actions will be taken against violators.
In April, the NCAA had already suspended permits for three private jet operators found engaging in commercial flights. At that time, Chris Najomo, Acting Director General of the NCAA, stated that the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, had ordered the cessation of private jets being used for commercial purposes in 2023, but some operators continued these activities.
Najomo highlighted that the NCAA had issued a warning in March 2024 to PNCF holders against the illegal carriage of passengers, cargo, or mail for hire. The authority then increased surveillance at airports to monitor private jet activities.
As a result of these efforts, the NCAA identified violations among three private operators, leading to the suspension of their PNCF.
The authority also mandated that all non-commercial flight permit holders undergo re-evaluation by April 19, 2024, and submit relevant documents within 72 hours.
The NCAA further directed that only aircraft listed in the Operation Specifications of an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) are authorized for charter services. Any AOC holders wishing to use an aircraft for charter operations must apply to the NCAA to delist the aircraft from the PNCF and include it in the AOC operations specification.
The NCAA urged the traveling public to avoid patronizing any airline charter operators without a valid Air Operator Certificate issued by the NCAA.