NCAA grounds 10 private jets, withdraws licences

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has temporarily revoked the permits of 10 private jet operators, effectively grounding their non-commercial flight operations.

The following private jet operators: Azikel Dredging Nigeria Ltd., Bli-Aviation Safety Services Ltd., Ferry Aviation Developments Ltd., Matrix Energy Ltd., and Marrietta Management Services Ltd.

Also on the list are: Worldwide Skypaths Services, Mattini Airline Services Ltd., Aero Lead Ltd., Sky Bird Air Ltd., and Ezuma Jets Ltd.

The private jet operators have been found to have flouted regulations by utilizing their aircraft for commercial purposes, leading to the suspension of their permits.

According to a statement by Mr. Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, the agency mandated all holders of Permits for Non-Commercial Flights (PNCF) to undergo a compulsory re-evaluation process.

However, some operators failed to comply with this directive, resulting in the suspension of their permits.

Achimugu also alerted the public that utilizing PNCF holders for commercial purposes is a violation of regulations and warned that the agency will take stern enforcement action against any PNCF holder found to be in breach of this rule.

He emphasized that the suspensions were made in accordance with the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023, Part 18.3.4, which explicitly prohibits PNCF holders from using their aircraft for commercial activities such as transporting passengers, cargo, or mail for payment or compensation.

The statement reads: “The Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023, Part 18.3.4, forbid holders of PNCF from using their aircraft for CARRIAGE OF PASSENGERS, CARGO, or MAIL for HIRE or REWARD (commercial operation or charter services).

“As a result of flagrant disregard of this rule, the NCAA had earlier directed all holders of PNCF to undergo a re-evaluation, which should have been concluded by the April 19, 2024.

“To this end, 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 public is hereby notified that it is illegal to engage PNCF holders for commercial purposes.

“The NCAA will not hesitate to initiate enforcement actions against any PNCF holder found guilty of illegal operations. Furthermore, NCAA officials have been deployed to the general aviation terminals, GAT, and private wings of the airports to monitor the activities of the PNCF holders.”