NCAA suspends 10 private jet operators

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended the Permit for Non-Commercial Flights (PNCF) of ten private jet operators.

The affected operators 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.

According to the NCAA, the suspension is due to these operators’ failure to undergo recertification of their licenses as directed by the Authority.

This information was provided in a statement released in Abuja on Friday by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of the Authority, Michael Achimugu.

The statement reads: “The Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 Part 18.3.4 forbids holders of PNCF from using their aircraft for the carriage of passengers, cargo, or mail for hire or reward (commercial operation or charter services).

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

“To this end, the NCAA has suspended the Permit 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.”

The Authority also stated that its officials have been deployed to General Aviation Terminals (GAT) and private wings of the airports to monitor the activities of the PNCF holders.