NCAA issues stern warning to private jet owners, orders re-evaluation of permits within 72 hours

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a stern warning and taken action against private jet operators found in violation of permit regulations. 

Following directives from the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, the NCAA intensified its scrutiny on private jet operators using permits for non-commercial flights, known as PNCF.

In a statement signed by the Acting Director-General, Civil Aviation, Nigeria, Capt. Chris Najomo, the authority said since March 2024, it has been closely monitoring activities at airports across Nigeria, leading to the identification of three private operators allegedly breaching PNCF regulations and Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023. 

Consequently, the NCAA said it has suspended the PNCF of these operators, affirming its commitment to zero tolerance for regulatory violations.

To further enhance regulatory compliance in the general aviation sector, Capt. Najomo has ordered a comprehensive re-evaluation of all PNCF holders. 

This evaluation, scheduled to be completed by April 19, 2024, will assess compliance with regulatory requirements, with all holders required to submit relevant documents within 72 hours.

The directive also extends to existing Air Operator Certificate (AOC) holders utilising aircraft listed on their PNCF for commercial charter operations. 

The NCAA said only aircraft listed in the Operation Specifications of the AOC are authorised for charter services, emphasising the importance of adherence to regulatory standards.

Captain Najomo reiterated the importance of travelers patronising only airlines with valid Air Operator Certificates issued by the NCAA for charter operations. 

Additionally, the NCAA encourages legitimate players in the aviation industry to promptly report any suspicious activities for necessary action.

This crackdown underscores the NCAA’s commitment to ensuring safety, adherence to regulations, and the integrity of Nigeria’s aviation industry.

The statement: “Back in 2023 the use of private jets for commercial purposes had gotten the attention of the Honourable Minister Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN, who issued marching orders for the cessation of such acts.

“Subsequently, in March 2024, the NCAA had issued a stern warning to holders of the permit for non commercial flights, PNCF, against engaging in the carriage of passenger cargo or mail for hire and reward.

“The Authority had also deployed its officials to monitor activities of private jets at terminals across the airports in Nigeria. 

“As a consequence of this heightened surveillance, no fewer than three private operators have been found to be involved in violation of the annexure provision of their PNCF and Part 9114 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023.

“In line with our zero tolerance for violation of regulations, the Authority has suspended the PNCF of these operators. 

“To further sanitise the general aviation sector, I have directed that a re-evaluation of all holders of PNCF be carried out on or before the 19th of April 2024 to ascertain compliance with regulatory requirements.

“All PNCF holders will be required to submit relevant documents to the authority within the next 72 hours.

“This riot act is also directed at existing Air Operator Certificate (AOC) holders, who utilise aircraft listed on their PNCF for commercial charter operations.

“It must be emphasised that only aircraft listed in the Operation Specifications of the AOC are authorised to be used in the provision of such charter services.

“Any of those AOC holders who wish to use the aircraft for charter operations must apply to the NCAA to delist the affected aircraft from the PNCF and include it into the AOC operations specification.

“The NCAA wishes to reiterate to the travelling public not to patronize any airline charter operator who does not hold a valid Air Operators Certificate issued by the NCAA, when they wish to procure charter operations services.

“Finally, the NCAA encourages the legitimate players in the aviation industry to report the activity of such unscrupulous elements to the authorities promptly for necessary action.”

Signed: Captain Chris Ona Najomo, Acting Director-General, Civil Aviation, Nigeria.