New Commercial Airlines Set For Takeoff As NCAA Approves 5 AOCs In 1 Year

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has disclosed that in one year, it has approved Air Operating Certificates (AOCs) for five applicants.

Speaking during a stakeholders meeting, chaired by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, in Lagos on Friday, the director-general of NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, said during the process of approving the AOCs, he ensured the applicants did not cut corners and all safety requirements were met

LEADERSHIP reports that AOC is a certificate that allows an operator to perform specific operations of commercial air transport.

The approval of AOC by the NCAA implies that five prospective airlines have been approved to commence commercial flight operations.

He stressed that all the prospective airlines went through all procedures and completed them.

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Speaking on ageing aircraft in Nigeria, he said it is not how new an aircraft is that makes it safe but how well the aircraft is maintained.

“The NCAA is carrying out surveillance on all aircraft operating in Nigeria to ensure these aircraft are maintained. Brand new aircraft still take off and crash. So, the age of an aircraft doesn’t determine how safe it is,” he explained.

Speaking on the scarcity of jobs in the aviation sector, Najomo said the NCAA was doing its best to ensure airlines bring in more aircraft, adding that the presence of more aircraft would mean new jobs for pilots, flight dispatchers, and engineers, amongst others.

Also speaking at the event, Olubunmi Oluwaseun Kuku, managing director of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), said the minister has approved procurement of screening machines to beef up security at the airports.

Kuku also said the minister has mandated the automation of major aircraft facilities to make passenger facilitation seamless.

Kuku emphasised the Authority’s commitment to enhancing power infrastructure and improving airport facilities.

“In Lagos, we have upgraded some of the power panels at the airport,” Kuku said. “In Enugu, we provided dedicated power lines, injecting from 33 to 11 KVA. Similarly, in Kano, we installed 33 to 11 KVA circuit breakers.”

She further explained that FAAN was committed to ensuring stable and uninterrupted power supply at all its airports. “We recognise that reliable electricity is essential for airport operations. Therefore, we have embarked on major airport electrification projects across our facilities,” Kuku stated.

In addition to upgrading power panels in Lagos, FAAN has implemented backup power solutions to prevent disruptions. “We have installed high-capacity generators and solar backup systems in key airport locations to enhance power reliability,” she added.

At Abuja Airport, new power distribution systems have been introduced to support expanded terminal operations. “We are modernizing our electrical grid to accommodate increased passenger traffic and improve efficiency,” Kuku noted.

FAAN has also initiated a phased transition to energy-efficient lighting systems across its airports. “We are replacing outdated lighting with LED systems to enhance visibility and reduce energy consumption,” she said.

Abuja Airport has witnessed terminal facility improvements, including upgraded toilets and general modifications. “Abuja is now lit up, and the cooling system is working at an acceptable level. However, we aim to enhance it further,” she stated.

Kuku highlighted FAAN’s progress in completing airport upgrades and maintenance projects. “We recently commissioned the E-Wing departure area in Lagos, where immigration and customs are located,” she revealed. “Additionally, renovation work is ongoing at the D-Wing.”

Regarding runway safety, she assured stakeholders of consistent efforts in de-rubberization and friction tests. “For the past 12 months, we have been diligent in cleaning our runways,” she stated. “We have deployed additional equipment for friction tests, ensuring compliance with global standards.”

She further emphasised FAAN’s commitment to continuous runway maintenance. “We understand the concerns raised regarding friction tests and de-rubberization. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that all runways remain in optimal condition for aircraft operations,” Kuku added. “We have invested in specialized equipment and enhanced our processes to improve surface grip and safety for all aircraft operations.”