The Nigerian government through the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended the Permit for Non-Commercial Flights (PNCF) of ten operators for failing to commence their recertification process.
The affected private jet operators are 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 suspension, announced on Thursday, is due to the operators’ flagrant disregard of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 Part 18.3.4.
The regulation prohibits PNCF license holders from using their aircraft for the carriage of passengers, cargo, or mail for hire or reward.
Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, stated that all PNCF holders were previously directed to undergo re-evaluation by April 19, 2024.
He added that the failure to comply has led to the current suspension.
Achimugu emphasized that it is illegal to engage PNCF holders for commercial purposes and warned that the NCAA would enforce actions against any holder found guilty of illegal operations.
He said NCAA officials have been deployed to General Aviation Terminals (GAT) and private wings of airports to monitor the activities of the PNCF holders.
He added that the move aims to ensure compliance with aviation regulations and maintain the integrity of non-commercial flight operations in Nigeria.
