Firstnation says NCAA suspension is commercial not safety-related

FIRSTNATION Airways, barely hours after Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority’s (NCAA) issued a suspension of its operations, reacted stating that the ban was not safety related and that the decision was purely commercial nothing more.

In a reactionary statement signed by the airlines spokesman, Rasheed Yusuff the airline has complied with the NCAAs sanction but would seek reconsideration and review of said suspension.

In a four point statement Yusuff said,”Except to reiterate that we respect regulations and have immediately complied with NCAA’s directive. It is also a matter of fact, that we presented two airworthy aircraft, to the Authority as far back as September 2017. It is therefore apparent that the context of our operation vis a vis compliance with the extant regulations and Government’s policy have been misconstrued. ”

“Be that as it may, we will seek reconsideration and review of the suspension, in the light of facts that will be made available to the Authorities. And will cooperate with NCAA in good faith, to address all concerns and the alleged infractions to reach resolution.”

“It is pertinent to add that the allegations are not safety related and that our operation achieved above industry dispatch reliability of over 95% and reputed for on time performance and schedule integrity. The operating aircraft and crew hold the relevant, safety critical approvals and authorisations.”

“The basis of NCAA’s decision is therefore apparently commercial. And in an Industry facing worsening Aircraft capacity constraints, the Authority should be forward-looking and working with industry to facilitate policies that will endear industry growth, so as not to further limit and compromise passengers’ choice options across all segments. The national interest has not been served by this development. “