NCAA Grants Pioneer Airlines Air Operator Certificate for Non-Scheduled Flight Operations

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has formally granted an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) to Pioneer Airlines Limited, clearing the airline to commence non-scheduled flight operations after successfully completing the country’s stringent certification process.

The certificate was presented on May 13, 2026, during a ceremony held at the NCAA headquarters in Abuja, where the Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Capt. Chris Najomo, congratulated the airline for meeting all regulatory and safety requirements necessary for the approval.

Speaking during the presentation, Najomo described the certification exercise as rigorous, comprehensive and firmly rooted in safety principles.

He noted that the successful completion of the five-phase certification process demonstrated the airline’s readiness to begin operations in line with global aviation standards.

The DGCA, however, stressed that the issuance of the certificate marked only the beginning of the airline’s operational responsibilities, warning that regulatory oversight by the NCAA would intensify as the airline commences operations.

According to him, the authority would continue to monitor the carrier closely to ensure strict adherence to approved procedures, operational standards and safety regulations.

Najomo further urged the airline’s management to sustain a strong safety culture across all levels of its operations. He advised the company to embrace voluntary compliance measures and strengthen its internal reporting systems in order to prevent operational lapses and maintain the confidence of the travelling public and industry stakeholders.

Responding on behalf of the airline, the Group Managing Director of Pioneer Airlines, Capt. Henry Ungbuku Okobaundu, expressed appreciation to the NCAA management under Najomo’s leadership as well as members of the certification team for their professionalism, guidance and commitment throughout the certification process.

Okobaundu assured the regulatory authority that the airline would uphold the safety and operational standards that earned it the certification, adding that the company remained committed to operating in accordance with NCAA regulations and international best practices.

The event was attended by several senior NCAA officials, including the Director of Operations, Licensing and Training Standards, Capt. Donald Spiff; General Manager, Air Operator Certification and Surveillance, Engr. (Dr.) Ifeanyi Iteke; General Manager, Standards, Capt. Ibinabo Solomon; and General Manager, Approved Maintenance Organisation, Engr. Suleima Akwuh, alongside members of the certification team and other staff of the authority.