The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has taken decisive action by suspending the licenses of three Permit for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) holders, commonly known as private jet owners, due to their alleged failure to comply with regulatory standards.
Acting Director-General of NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, revealed this development to reporters in Lagos on Tuesday.
Najomo explained that following a stern warning issued to PNCF holders in March, the authority intensified monitoring of private jet operations at airport terminals nationwide. Consequently, three operators were found to have breached the annexure provisions of their PNCF and Part 9114 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations, 2023.
In response, Najomo announced a comprehensive re-evaluation of regulatory compliance for all PNCF holders within the next 72 hours, underscoring the authority’s unwavering commitment to upholding regulations.
“As part of our steadfast commitment to regulatory compliance, we have suspended the PNCF of these operators. To further enhance transparency in the general aviation sector, I have directed a thorough review of all PNCF holders by April 19 to ensure compliance with regulatory standards. All PNCF holders are required to submit pertinent documents to the authority within the next 72 hours,” he stated.
Najomo highlighted previous directives from the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN), in 2023, which prohibited the commercial use of private jets. He reiterated the warning issued in March against PNCF holders engaging in passenger, cargo, or mail transportation for hire and reward.
Furthermore, Najomo emphasized the importance of adherence to the Operation Specifications of the Air Operator Certificate (AOC) and cautioned against unauthorized charter operations. He urged the traveling public to only engage charter operators with valid AOC issued by NCAA.
The NCAA chief urged legitimate stakeholders in the aviation sector to promptly report any illicit activities to the authority for necessary action.
