The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended the Permit for Non-Commercial Flights (PNCF) of ten private jet operators for violating regulations. The operators include 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 a statement by Mr. Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, the suspension was prompted by the operators’ use of their aircraft for commercial purposes, a clear breach of aviation regulations.
The NCAA had previously mandated all PNCF holders to undergo a re-evaluation process, which was to be completed by April 19, 2024. However, some operators failed to comply with this directive, leading to the suspension of their permits.
Achimugu emphasized that engaging PNCF holders for commercial operations is illegal and warned that the NCAA would take strict enforcement actions against any violators. He referred to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023, Part 18.3.4, which explicitly prohibits PNCF holders from using their aircraft for the carriage of passengers, cargo, or mail for hire or reward.
“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),” the statement read.
“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 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 NCAA also informed the public about the illegality of engaging PNCF holders for commercial purposes and reiterated its commitment to enforcing the regulations. NCAA officials have been deployed to General Aviation Terminals (GAT) and private wings of the airports to monitor the activities of PNCF holders.
