By Damilare Adeleye
The federal government through the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has suspended the licences of 10 private jet operators who failed to comply with the required recertification process.
The suspension was announced in a statement issued on Thursday night by Mr Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection.
According to the NCAA, Regulation 18.3.4 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 prohibits holders of a Permit for Non-Commercial Flights (PNCF) from utilising their aircraft for commercial purposes, including carrying passengers, cargo, or mail for payment or compensation, such as charter services or commercial operations.
The statement reads, “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 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.”