The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended the license of Mattini Airline Services Limited, after one of its private jets, a Challenger CL 601 registered as N580KR, overshot the runway at Ibadan airport.
The incident, which occurred during the aircraft’s departure from Abuja to Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan, involved ten persons on board.
The swift suspension of Mattini Airline’s license, effective immediately, is pending the outcome of a comprehensive investigation by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB).
The regulatory body has also announced its intent to conduct an extensive safety and economic audit of all private jet operations across Nigeria, underscoring its commitment to maintaining the highest standards in the aviation sector.
Michael Achimugu, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at NCAA, revealed that the NSIB will lead a thorough safety investigation, while the NCAA concurrently initiates an economic inquiry into the operational aspects of the Challenger CL 601.
This inquiry specifically scrutinizes the terms and conditions outlined in the Private Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) documentation.
In accordance with Section 32 (4) of the Civil Aviation Act 2022, the NCAA’s suspension of Mattini Airline’s PNCF remains in effect until it is determined that the stipulated conditions have been adhered to.
Simultaneously, the regulatory body has launched a broader safety and economic audit encompassing all private jet operations in Nigeria.
During a recent press conference, Chris Najomo, the acting Director-General of NCAA, issued a stern warning that private jet owners engaged in commercial services face the imminent risk of losing their licenses for non-compliance.
He announced upcoming sting operations aimed at ensuring that operators unwilling to comply and secure an Air Operator Certificate cease their operations.
