NAAPE Commends NCAA over suspension of Azman Air flight operations

The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) has expressed satisfaction with the suspension of Azman Air flight operations by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.

In a press statement made available to TW, the President of NAAPE, Engr. Abednego Galadima commended the NCAA for making the “professional” decision against the airline promptly.

According to him, the safety of the industry must not be compromised, adding that the reaction of the airline was cheap blackmail that emanated from its parochial view.

“The National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) has 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 a 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, 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 intimidate and blackmail the regulator or try to write their own regulation or are in a cozy relationship with the regulator should never be allowed in the  Nigerian aviation sector.

We, therefore, commend NCAA under the able leadership of Capt. Musa Nuhu as DG and pass a vote of confidence on his stewardship since he assumed office in February 2020.

We call on the aviation community and well-meaning Nigerians to support the regulator in its onerous task of ensuring the safety and security of the airspace and equipment.

We also wish to advise 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.

Safety must not be compromised!”