The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended the permits of 10 private jet operators for engaging in unauthorized operations.

These operators, whose Permits for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) were suspended, did not complete the mandatory recertification process set by the regulatory body. Investigations uncovered that many were misusing their PNCFs by conducting commercial flights, an activity known in the aviation industry as “hire and reward.”

In response to this non-compliance, the NCAA had previously instructed all PNCF holders to undergo a re-evaluation, which was to be completed by April 19, 2024.

The following operators have had their permits suspended:

  1. Azikel Dredging Nigeria Ltd
  2. Bli-Aviation Safety Services
  3. Ferry Aviation Developments Ltd
  4. Matrix Energy Ltd
  5. Marrietta Management Services Ltd
  6. Worldwide Skypaths Services
  7. Mattini Airline Services Ltd
  8. Aero Lead Ltd
  9. Sky Bird Air Ltd
  10. Ezuma Jets Ltd

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In a statement, Michael Achimugu, the NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, stressed the illegality of using PNCF holders for commercial purposes.

He stated, “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 activities of the PNCF holders.”