The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) initiates safety and economic audits on private jet operators. It also advises passengers to verify the operator’s licence and ensure proper commercial flight permits.
All this is coming following the suspension of the Permit for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) of Mattani Air for flouting regulations.
Captain Chris Najomo underscores the need for proper licences, connecting them to charter flights’ insurance coverage and warning of risks.
NCAA intensifies safety measures, promising swift consequences for PNCF violators, such as suspension, withdrawal, or revocation.
“This is a stern warning to all PNCF holders that it is no longer business as usual for violators of these conditions, of their permits, NCAA solicits the cooperation and understanding of all”.
All these arose following two serious incidents in Ibadan in November and this January where it was discovered that PNCF holders were using their aircraft for hire and reward.
The PNCF holders can only use their aircraft for private, non-commercial purposes as carrying passengers, cargo, or mail for hire is strictly prohibited.
Recall that a fortnight ago, a Mattani Air-operated Bombardier Challenger 600 series, with 15 onboard, overshot Ibadan Airport’s runway at 10:55 am.
The aircraft, registered N580KR, arrived from Abuja, landing on runway 22, but overshot and halted at runway 04.
Fortunately, all 15 passengers, including 12 passengers and three crew members, were successfully evacuated unharmed by Nigeria’s ARFFS.
Following the incident, the NCAA reported that Mattini Airline Services Limited holds a valid Permit for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF).
The NCAA stated that it has initiated an economic inquiry into the terms and conditions of the PNCF as detailed in its Annexure and suspended Mattini’s operations.
Notably, this incident occurred just weeks after a crash involving Minister of Power, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu, and 12 others on a Flint Aero-operated HS 125 aircraft with registration 5N-AMM at the same airport on November 4. Flint Aero was another PCNF licensed aircraft doing illegal charters.
