In a recent development, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has taken action against three private jet operators for their involvement in unauthorized commercial flights.
The suspension of their permits was announced through an official statement posted on the NCAA’s website on Tuesday. The Riot Act, signed by Captain Chris Najomo, the Acting Director General of the NCAA, emphasized the seriousness of the violation.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, had previously cautioned private jet operators who were not licensed for commercial services about the detrimental impact of their actions on the Federal Government’s revenue. During an interview on the Channels TV programme, Newsnight, Keyamo highlighted that the distinction between flying a private aircraft and operating it commercially involves significant differences in fees and payments to the government. He expressed his determination to address this issue, citing concerns about passenger safety, economic sabotage, and the need to uphold regulations and generate revenue for the Federal Government.
Responding promptly to the minister’s warning, the acting DG of NCAA took decisive action against the violators. The Riot Act issued on Tuesday announced the suspension of three jet operators who were found guilty of persisting with commercial flight operations despite prior warnings. The acting DG stressed the importance of maintaining strict adherence to regulations and ensuring safety standards. The suspension serves as a reminder of the NCAA’s zero-tolerance policy towards violations.
The statement from the NCAA mentioned previous efforts to address the use of private jets for commercial purposes. In 2023, Festus Keyamo had issued orders to halt such practices, and in March 2024, the NCAA issued a stern warning to non-commercial flight permit holders against engaging in passenger or cargo transportation for hire and reward. The authority had also deployed officials to monitor private jet activities across Nigerian airports. As a result of increased surveillance, it was discovered that three private operators had violated the annexure provision of their permits and Part 91.14 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations.
The Acting DG, Najomo, justified the suspension as a necessary step to reinforce regulatory compliance. He emphasized the need to sanitize the general aviation sector and announced a re-evaluation of all permit holders to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements by April 19, 2024. Additionally, all holders of the Permit for Non-Commercial Flights were instructed to submit relevant documents to the NCAA within 72 hours.
The Riot Act also addressed existing Air Operator Certificate (AOC) holders who utilize aircraft listed on their permits for commercial charter operations. It clarified that only aircraft listed in the operation specifications of the AOC are authorized for charter services. AOC holders interested in using their aircraft for charter operations must apply to the NCAA to delist the affected aircraft from the Non-Commercial Flights Permit and include it in the AOC operations specification.
The NCAA urged the traveling public to avoid patronizing any airline charter operator that does not possess a valid Air Operators Certificate issued by the authority when seeking charter services. Furthermore, the authority encouraged legitimate players in the aviation industry to promptly report the activities of unscrupulous elements for appropriate action.
