A recent action by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, has seen the suspension of licenses belonging to three private jet operators who have been found to be in violation of their permits.
This development follows a directive issued in 2023 by Festus Keyamo, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, to halt non-commercial flights engaging in passenger, cargo, or mail transportation for hire and reward.
In March 2024, the NCAA reiterated warnings against the engagement of PNCF holders in commercial activities, leading to the recent measure taken by the agency.
According to a press statement signed by Capt. Chris Najomo, the acting director general of NCAA, a re-evaluation of all PNCF holders is to be conducted by April 19, 2024, to confirm compliance with regulatory standards.
Monitoring activities of private jets at airports in Nigeria has revealed the non-compliance of three operators with regulatory provisions outlined in Part 9114 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023, resulting in the suspension of their PNCF.
Furthermore, a comprehensive review of all PNCF holders has been instructed to ensure adherence to stipulated regulations, with a 72-hour deadline set for the submission of relevant documents to the authority.
To maintain integrity in the general aviation sector, the directive also extends to existing Air Operator Certificate (AOC) holders, emphasizing the authorized use of aircraft listed in the AOC’s Operation Specifications for charter services.
Operators seeking to utilize listed aircraft for charter operations must obtain approval from the NCAA to transition the aircraft from the PNCF to the AOC’s operation specifications.
In a plea to the traveling public, Najomo reiterated the importance of only patronizing charter operators with valid Air Operators Certificates issued by the NCAA for charter services.
The statement concluded by urging legitimate entities in the aviation industry to promptly report unscrupulous activities to the authority for necessary intervention.