NCAA Suspends Ten Private Jet Operators For Regulatory Breaches
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has taken decisive action against ten private jet operators for violating regulations prohibiting the use of aircraft for commercial purposes under a Permit for Non-Commercial Flights (PNCF).
In a statement signed by Michael Achimugu, Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, NCAA, the agency said its stringent enforcement follows the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 Part 18.3.4, which explicitly forbids PNCF holders from using their aircraft for the carriage of passengers, cargo, or mail for hire or reward.
The NCAA explained that it had previously directed all PNCF holders to undergo a mandatory re-evaluation process, which was to be completed by April 19, 2024. Despite this directive, some PNCF operators failed to comply, prompting the NCAA to suspend their permits.
The suspended firms include: 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 and Ezuma Jets Ltd.
The NCAA informed the public that engaging PNCF holders for commercial purposes is illegal, warning that it will not hesitate to take enforcement actions against any PNCF holder found guilty of such violations.
The statement: “The Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 Part 18.3.4 forbids holders of PNCF from using their aircraft for CARRIAGE OF PASSENGERS, CARGO or MAIL for HIRE or REWARD (commercial operation or charter services)
“As a result of flagrant disregard of this rule, the NCAA had earlier directed all holders of PNCF to undergo re-evaluation which should have been concluded by the 19th of April 2024.
“To this end, the NCAA has suspended the PERMIT FOR NON COMMERCIAL FLIGHTS of 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 and Ezuma Jets Ltd.
“The public is hereby notified that it is illegal to engage PNCF holders for commercial purposes. The NCAA will not hesitate to initiate enforcement actions against any PNCF holder found guilty of illegal operations.
“Furthermore, NCAA officials have been deployed to General Aviation Terminals (GAT) and private wings of the airports to monitor activities of the PNCF holders.”
Signed: Michael Achimugu, Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection.
