The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended 10 private jet operators for failing to initiate the recertification process. Michael Achimugu, the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, stated that the suspension is based on Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 Part 18.3.4. This regulation prohibits holders of a Permit for Non-Commercial Flights (PNCF) from using their aircraft for commercial operations such as transporting passengers, cargo, or mail for hire or reward.
The suspended operators 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.
The NCAA warned that engaging PNCF holders for commercial purposes is illegal and promised to enforce actions against any PNCF holder found guilty of such violations. In April, the NCAA had already suspended the permits of three private jet operators for engaging in commercial flights. The Acting Director General of the NCAA, Chris Najomo, mentioned that despite orders from the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, to cease using private jets for commercial purposes, some operators continued to do so.
In March 2024, the NCAA issued a stern warning to PNCF holders against engaging in commercial operations. The authority also deployed officials to monitor private jet activities at Nigerian airports, resulting in the suspension of several operators for violating PNCF provisions and Part 9114 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023.
The NCAA mandated that all non-commercial flight permit holders be re-evaluated by April 19, 2024, requiring them to submit relevant documents within 72 hours. Existing Air Operator Certificate (AOC) holders using aircraft listed on their PNCF for commercial operations must apply to delist the affected aircraft from the PNCF and include it in the AOC operations specification.
The NCAA also urged the public not to patronize any charter operator without a valid Air Operator Certificate issued by the NCAA.
