NCAA cracks down on private jet misuse as 10 operators grounded

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In a move aimed at tightening regulations in the Nigerian aviation industry, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended the operating licenses of ten private jet companies. The suspension, announced on Friday by the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, stems from the operators’ failure to comply with a recent recertification directive.

The agency said the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 Part 18.3.4 forbids holders of Permit for Non-Commercial Flights from using their aircraft for carriage of passengers, cargo or mail for hire or rewards (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 April 19, 2024.

“To this end, the NCAA has suspended the PNCF of Azikel Dredging Nigeria Ltd, Bli-Aviation Safety Services, Ferry Aviation Developments Ltd and Matrix Energy Ltd.

“Also, 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,” the agency said.

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The crux of the issue lies in the distinction between permits for commercial and non-commercial flights. The suspended operators held Permits for Non-Commercial Flights (PNCF), which prohibit the use of their aircraft for any revenue-generating activities, such as chartering passengers or cargo.

The NCAA suspects these companies may have been violating this regulation by engaging in illegal commercial operations.

This suspicion is bolstered by the fact that the suspension comes on the heels of an earlier directive issued in April 2024. The directive mandated all PNCF holders to undergo a re-evaluation process by April 19th.

This process likely aimed to assess their adherence to regulations and identify any potential misuse of permits. The ten suspended operators apparently neglected to initiate the recertification process, prompting the NCAA to take decisive action.

The suspension serves as a strong warning to other private jet operators in Nigeria. The NCAA is clearly prioritizing regulatory compliance and intends to crack down on companies found flouting the rules.

This move could have a significant impact on the industry, particularly for those operators who may have been bending the rules for commercial gain.

Tags: Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, Jet, Jet Operators, Nigeria, Aviation, Michael Achimugu, Permits for Non-Commercial Flights, PNCF