FULL LIST: FG Grounds 10 Private Jets’ Operations

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended the permits of 10 private jet operators over illegal operations. The affected operators, which had their Permits for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) suspended, failed to undergo a mandatory recertification process as directed by the regulatory authority.

The NCAA’s action follows revelations that many operators were abusing the PNCF by using their jets for commercial flights, a practice known in aviation as hire and reward. According to the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 Part 18.3.4, holders of PNCF are prohibited from using their aircraft for the carriage of passengers, cargo, or mail for hire or reward (commercial operation or charter services).

Due to the flagrant disregard for this rule, the NCAA had earlier directed all holders of PNCF to undergo re-evaluation, a process that should have been completed by April 19, 2024. As a result of non-compliance, the NCAA has now suspended the permits of the following 10 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

In a statement, the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, emphasized that it is illegal to engage PNCF holders for commercial purposes.

“The NCAA will not hesitate to initiate enforcement actions against any PNCF holder found guilty of illegal operations. Furthermore, NCAA officials have been deployed to General Aviation Terminals (GAT) and private wings of the airports to monitor the activities of the PNCF holders,” the statement added.