To regain FAA Category 1 status, some feel Nigeria must look beyond the disappointment, direct its efforts towards restoring and maintaining the rating. Undoubtedly, the loss has caused significant concern within the aviation sector. However, it represents a technicality that can be addressed with prompt and strategic action.
Understanding Category 1 Status
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) awards Category 1 status under its International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) program. This designation is crucial because it enables Nigerian airlines to operate direct flights to the United States, thereby enhancing Nigeria’s global aviation profile and expanding opportunities for international trade and tourism.
Countries typically lose FAA Category 1 status due to failures in their civil aviation authorities to meet International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) safety standards. Such issues often involve insufficient technical expertise, weak regulatory oversight, and inadequate aircraft inspection procedures. The implications of losing Category 1 status can be severe, impacting airlines’ ability to operate direct international routes and affecting the country’s aviation industry reputation.
Case Studies of Other Countries
Several countries have faced similar downgrades in recent years, providing valuable lessons for Nigeria. For instance, Mexico was downgraded to Category 2 in 2021 due to non-compliance with ICAO safety standards. The FAA identified twelve significant issues, including inadequate inspection protocols and poor record-keeping. Mexico addressed these deficiencies and regained its Category 1 status in 2023, illustrating the possibility of recovery through diligent corrective measures.
Similarly, the Philippines experienced a downgrade to Category 2 from 2008 to 2014 due to issues with regulatory oversight and inadequate aviation safety management. Philippine Airlines (PAL) faced significant operational limitations during this period, unable to expand its U.S. operations. The country’s efforts to rectify these issues eventually led to the restoration of Category 1 status, allowing PAL to resume and expand its U.S. services.
Nigeria’s Unique Situation
Nigeria’s downgrade was not due to regulatory oversight but rather the absence of indigenous airlines operating flights to the U.S. over a two-year period. The delisting was a result of the FAA’s requirement for countries to have airlines providing U.S. services using their own registered aircraft. Since no Nigerian airline met this criterion, Nigeria’s Category 1 status was revoked.
The situation highlights the need for strategic planning and execution in the aviation sector. While safety and regulatory compliance remain critical, Nigeria’s challenge was more about operational presence and adherence to specific FAA requirements.
Stakeholder Reactions and Public Perception
The loss of Category 1 status was compounded by the secrecy surrounding the issue until it was revealed by the media. An anonymous respondent criticized the lack of transparency, arguing that public awareness could have prompted quicker action from the Minister. “It was embarrassing that Nigerians had to find out the way they did,” the respondent noted.
In 2022, then-Minister Hadi Sirika was preoccupied with white elephant projects like Nigeria Air, which diverted attention from addressing the immediate needs of the aviation sector. Critics argue that if Sirika had focused on supporting airlines to meet FAA requirements, the country might have maintained its Category 1 status. This situation underscores the importance of prioritizing sectoral needs and ensuring effective leadership.
” When Sirika was in charge he was busy chasing self-aggrandizing projects like the Nigeria Air. He was on Tv numerous times running our airlines down instead of helping them to meet these requirements. There is a difference in approach now, if he did what the present gentleman is doing probably, we would have one carrier flying the US now. This might not have happened.”
NCAA’s Response and Current Status
According to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the delisting had no bearing on safety or security deficiencies. Nigeria underwent comprehensive ICAO safety and security audits, recording no Significant Safety Concern (SSC) or Significant Security Concern (SSeC). These audits confirm that Nigeria’s aviation sector meets international safety and security standards.
Nigeria first achieved Category 1 status in August 2010. Subsequent safety assessments by the FAA in 2014 and 2017 reaffirmed Nigeria’s compliance. However, from September 2022, the FAA began delisting countries that lacked indigenous operators providing U.S. services. It also delisted countries not carrying U.S. operator codes. This policy changes affected Nigeria due to the absence of local airlines meeting the FAA’s criteria.
The CAA has clarified that Nigerian operators can still fly to the U.S. using wet-leased aircraft from countries with current Category 1 status. For example, Arik Air previously operated flights to the U.S. using a dry-leased Airbus A330 from Kingfisher. Air Peace also planned to start flights to Washington, but the delisting complicates this effort. Despite this, the option to use wet-leased aircraft provides some hope for maintaining U.S. routes.
DGCA, Captain Chris Najomo, told NigerianFIGHTDECK that steps were already well on the way to correct this situation. He (Najomo) was part of the Arik team when the FAA came to certify the country for Category 1 in 2010. He said some Nigerian airlines were serious with flying into the US and other destinations. Najomo said, “If Air Peace partners with North Atlantic, assuming it is an FAA-Category 1 country, it could wet lease and start U.S. flights.”Then during that time, they will be perfecting the route while assessment goes on.”
These are some of the reasons Nigeria’s Aviation Minister, Festus Keyamo embarked on the aggressive international campaign, Najomo said. He aims to empower local operators by facilitating their access to the dry-lease market. The initiative is premised on Nigeria’s commitment to full compliance with the Cape Town Convention. This will bring back the confidence of international lessors in the Nigerian aviation market.
Once the airlines can access these dry leases, it would be able to effortlessly reciprocate the Open Skies agreement again to regain FAA Category 1 Status.
How to Regain Category 1 Status
To regain FAA Category 1 Status several key steps must be followed. The primary issue to address is re-establishing direct flights to the U.S. Nigerian airlines must resume or initiate routes within the FAA’s two-year timeframe. This may involve negotiating new route agreements or assisting airlines in meeting the operational requirements for long-haul flights.
Ensuring compliance with safety standards is crucial, even though the primary issue relates to flight rules. The CAA must continuously adhere to ICAO standards and maintain effective regulatory oversight. After reinstating direct flights, Nigeria should request an FAA review. This review will likely include a safety audit and a thorough assessment of compliance with all safety and operational requirements.
Collaboration between the government, aviation authorities, and airlines is essential. Addressing logistical or financial challenges that have previously hindered flights to the U.S. will be critical. Demonstrating the capacity to sustain continuous and safe operations will help prevent future status losses.
Addressing Safety and Regulatory Deficiencies
If regulatory or safety issues cause a country to lose Category 1, it must take specific steps to regain the designation. The country needs to address safety deficiencies identified by the FAA’s International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) program. These deficiencies generally relate to oversight, regulation, and compliance with ICAO standards.
Next, the country should collaborate closely with ICAO to enhance its regulatory framework and align with global safety standards. The country’s civil aviation authority (CAA) must demonstrate strong oversight capabilities through effective regulation, enforcement, and airline certification.
Once necessary corrections are made, the country can request the FAA to conduct a reassessment. The FAA will send inspectors to evaluate whether the country complies with ICAO standards. This assessment focuses on regulatory, technical, and operational aspects of the aviation sector.
After regaining Category 1 status, continuous compliance with ICAO standards and FAA regulations is essential. Ongoing oversight and audits will help maintain the status and ensure that safety and regulatory standards are consistently met.
Looking Forward
As Nigeria moves forward, it is essential to focus on strategic measures to prevent future downgrades and enhance the country’s aviation sector. Investing in infrastructure, improving regulatory frameworks, and fostering international partnerships will be crucial in achieving and maintaining Category 1 status.
By addressing current deficiencies, collaborating with international organizations, and ensuring robust oversight, Nigeria can work towards maintaining its Category 1 status. This effort will not only restore direct flights to the U.S. but also strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global aviation industry.
