The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended the operations of 10 private jet operators due to their non-compliance with the recertification process.
The NCAA cited the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 Part 18.3.4, which prohibits Permit for Non-commercial Flights (PNCF) holders from conducting commercial operations. These include the carriage of passengers, cargo, or mail for hire or reward.
In a statement issued by Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, the NCAA explained, “Due to blatant disregard for this regulation, the NCAA had previously instructed all PNCF holders to complete a re-evaluation by April 19, 2024.”
Consequently, the NCAA has suspended the permits 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 authority further emphasized that engaging PNCF holders for commercial purposes is illegal. “The NCAA will enforce penalties against any PNCF holder found conducting unauthorized operations,” it warned. Additionally, NCAA officials have been stationed at General Aviation Terminals (GAT) and private wings of airports to oversee PNCF activities.
Last week, the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, disclosed that some private jet owners are involved in money laundering and drug trafficking using their aircraft.
The NCAA has reiterated since last year that private jets operating under PNCF must not offer charter services, following investigations into incidents involving chartered private jets