Transport

NCC Suspends Bli-Aviation, Mattini Airline, 8 Others Over Failure To Update License

Published

5 months ago

July 5, 2024

BY GBOGBOWA GBOWA

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has grounded with immediate effect operation 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 Exuma Jets Ltd for reported inability to renew their licenses.

NCAA says the 10 private jet operators will not be allowed to re-commence operation until they carry out a mandatory re-certification exercise.

re-certification.

A statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of NCAA, Michael Achimugu stated that the Nigeria Civil Aviation (NCARs) 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); to which some of the grounded airlines were accused of doing.

The NCAA explained that as a result of observed flagrant disregard for regulations, the regulatory body had earlier directed all holders of PNCF to undergo re-evaluation, an exercise it says was concluded since April 19, 2024.

According to the aviation apex regulatory body, it is illegal to engage PNCF holders for commercial purposes, noting that authority will not hesitate to sanction any PNCF holder found guilty of illegal operations.

The statement added that NCAA officials have been deployed to General Aviation Terminals (GAT) and private wings of the airports to monitor compliance.

Recall that in a separate development, the Nigeria Customs Service directed owners of private jets to show proof of appropriate payments of customs duty on their assets.