NCAA suspends licenses of 10 private jet operators

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended the licenses of ten private jet operation companies over their inability to begin the mandatory recertification process.

The suspension was announced on Thursday in a statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu.

According to the NCAA, the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023, Part 18.3.4, prohibit Permit for Non-Commercial Flights (PNCF) holders from using their aircraft for commercial operations, including the carriage of passengers, cargo, or mail for hire or reward.

It however noted that despite this regulation, several operators have continued to engage in commercial activities.

In light of these violations, the NCAA disclosed it had directed all PNCF holders to undergo a re-evaluation process, which was to be completed by April 19, 2024.

The companies affected by the suspension are 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 aviation agency emphasized that engaging PNCF holders for commercial purposes is illegal and warned that any such violations would result in enforcement actions.

To ensure compliance, NCAA further disclosed that officials have been deployed to monitor the activities of PNCF holders at General Aviation Terminals (GAT) and private wings of airports.

“The public is advised to avoid using the services of these suspended operators for commercial flights,” the statement concluded.