JUST-IN: Federal Gov’t Suspends 10 Private Jet Operators

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), on Friday, announced the suspension of 10 private jet operators over failure to commence recertification process.

In a statement posted on the official X handle (formerly Twitter) of the NCAA, @Nigeriacaa, signed by the director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, the regulatory agency stated that the Authority had directed all holders of Permit for Non-commercial Flights (PNCF) to undergo re-evaluation which should have been concluded by April 19, 2024.

According to Achimugu, the suspension of the operators was in line with Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 Part 18.3.4 which forbids holders of PNCF from using their aircraft for carriage of passengers, cargo or mail for hire or reward, which is commercial operation or charter service.

NCAA said: “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 regulatory body also notified the public that it is illegal to engage operators who are PNCF holders for commercial purposes.

“The NCAA will not hesitate to initiate enforcement actions against any PNCF holder found guilty of illegal operations,” the Authority warned.

Achimugu added that NCAA officials have been deployed to General Aviation Terminals (GAT) and private wings of the airports to monitor activities of the PNCF holders.