The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has announced the suspension of the permit of three private jet operators for engaging in commercial flights.
This disclosure was made by the Acting Director-General of the NCAA, Captain Chris Najomo via the official NCAA X handle on Tuesday.
In the statement, Captain Najomo said the affected PNCF holders violated the annexure provision of their PNCF licenses and Part 9114 of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations.
He said “Back in November 2023, the use of private jets for commercial purposes had gotten the attention of the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, who issued marching orders for cessation of such acts.
“Subsequently, in March 2024, the NCAA issued a stern warning to holders of the permit for non-commercial flights (PNCF) against engaging the carriage of passengers, cargo or mail for reward and hire.
“The Authority had also deployed its officials to monitor activities of private jet terminals across the airports in Nigeria.
“As a result of this heightened surveillance, no fewer than three private operators have been found to be in violation of their PNCF and Part 9114 of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations.
“In line with our zero tolerance for violations of regulations, the Authority has suspended the PNCF of these operators.”
Recall, that the NCAA Boss had threatened that the authority would crack down on all private jets operating as charter operators in the country.
This followed the recent event of a private jet, that had departed Abuja in November 2023, crash landing just before it landed at the airport in iabadan, Oyo State.
The National Safety Investigation Bureau had fingered the operator, saying Flints Aero Services Limited was issued a PNCF licence.
Furthermore, the Acting Director-General of the NCAA has noted that holders of PNCF licenses in the country be reevaluated on or before April 19, 2024, to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
