The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended the permits of ten private jet operators due to illegal operations.
The affected operators, who held Permits for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF), failed to complete a mandatory recertification process as directed by the NCAA.
This action follows revelations that many operators were misusing their PNCFs by conducting commercial flights, a practice known in aviation as “hire and reward.” According to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023, Part 18.3.4, PNCF holders are strictly prohibited from using their aircraft for the carriage of passengers, cargo, or mail for hire or reward (commercial operations or charter services).
In response to these violations, the NCAA had previously instructed all PNCF holders to undergo re-evaluation, with a deadline set for April 19, 2024. Failure to comply has resulted in the suspension of the permits for the following operators:
– 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
– Ezuma Jets Ltd
Michael Achimugu, the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, emphasized in a statement that engaging PNCF holders for commercial purposes is illegal. He warned that the NCAA would not hesitate to take enforcement action against any PNCF holder found guilty of illegal operations.
To ensure compliance, NCAA officials have been deployed to General Aviation Terminals (GAT) and private wings of airports to monitor the activities of PNCF holders.
