The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended the permits of ten private jet operators, a decision that has sent ripples through the aviation industry, indicating that this bold move is part of the NCAA’s ongoing efforts to enforce stricter regulatory compliance and ensure the safety and integrity of the nation’s airspace.
The operators affected by this suspension 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.
Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, NCAA, Michael Achimugu, said in a statement that the agency had directed all PNCF holders to undergo a mandatory re-evaluation process, yet some PNCF operators failed to comply, leading to their suspension.
Achimugu also informed the public that engaging Private Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) holders for commercial purposes was illegal, warning that it would not hesitate to take enforcement actions against any PNCF holder found guilty of such violations.
According to him, the NCAA’s action stems from the operators’ alleged breach of regulations that explicitly prohibit the use of aircraft for commercial purposes. According to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023, Part 18.3.4, holders of Private Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) permits are forbidden from using their aircraft for the carriage of passengers, cargo, or mail for hire or reward
The statement read thus: “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 a 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.”
While the suspension of permits for ten private jet operators by the NCAA presents challenges for the private aviation sector, it also highlights the authority’s dedication to ensuring a safe and regulated airspace.
As operators work to address the issues and regain their permits, this incident could ultimately lead to stronger regulatory compliance and higher safety standards in the industry.
