The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended 10 private jet operators for not initiating the recertification process as mandated by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023. The regulations prohibit Permit for Non-Commercial Flights (PNCF) holders from using their aircraft for commercial purposes.
According to a statement by NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, the suspended operators include Azikel Dredging Nigeria Ltd, Bli-Aviation Safety Services, and Matrix Energy Ltd, among others.
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The NCAA warned that it will take enforcement actions against any PNCF holder found engaging in illegal commercial operations.
In April, three private jet operators were similarly suspended for using their aircraft for commercial purposes, contrary to the directives issued by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo.
Acting Director General of the NCAA, Chris Najomo, emphasized that the authority had previously issued warnings and deployed officials to monitor private jet activities.
“The Authority had also deployed its officials to monitor activities of private jets at terminals across the airports in Nigeria,” Najomo stated.
As part of ongoing measures, all non-commercial flight permit holders were required to undergo re-evaluation by April 19, 2024. The NCAA stressed that only aircraft listed in the Operation Specifications of an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) are authorized for charter services. AOC holders wishing to use their aircraft for charter operations must apply to the NCAA to update their operations specification.
The NCAA advised the public to avoid patronizing any airline charter operator without a valid Air Operator Certificate issued by the authority.
