Victor EzejaWith repeated incidents of air mishaps involving private jets in recent times, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has warned private jet owners against illegal use of their aircraft for commercial operations, threatening severe penalties for violators.
Michael Achimugu, the NCAA’s director of public affairs and consumer protection, issued a statement on Wednesday containing the directive.
According to the statement that was posted on the NCAA’s official X handle, the Permit for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF), granted to private jet owners, strictly prohibits using their aircraft for transporting passengers, cargo, or mail for compensation or hire.
In accordance with Section 32(4) of the Civil Aviation Act 2022, the NCAA stressed that any owner of a private jet engaged in commercial operations or charter services would be subject to severe repercussions, which might include suspension, withdrawal, or revocation of their authorization.
The NCAA has also increased its level of control by sending representatives to private airport areas and General Aviation Terminals (GAT) to keep an eye on private jet owners’ operations and make sure aviation laws are being followed.
The statement reads: “The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) wishes to warn holders of Permit for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) (private jet owners) to desist from engaging in commercial flight operations forthwith or face stiff penalties.
“It will be noted that holders of PNCF are not permitted to use their aircraft for CARRIAGE OF PASSENGERS CARGO or MAIL for HIRE or REWARD (commercial operations or charter services).
“In line with Section 32 (4) of the Civil Aviation Act 2022, the NCAA will not hesitate to initiate enforcement actions against any PNCF holder found guilty of illegal operations with suspension, withdrawal or revocation of their Permit for Non-Commercial flight.
“The public is hereby notified that it is illegal to engage PNCF holders for commercial purposes. NCAA officials have also been deployed to General Aviation Terminals (GAT) and private wings of the airports to monitor the activities of the PNCF holders.
“The NCAA wishes to restate its zero tolerance for violations of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 and shall continue to enforce strict compliance through the application of appropriate sanctions.”
Jet Mishaps in Recent Times
The rate of aviation incidents in the past few months has been concerning. Prime Business Africa recalls that in November 2023, the Minister of Power, Adelabu Adebayo, escaped death when a plane he was on board crash-landed at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola airport, Ibadan.
Another one, a private jet with registration number, N580KR, belonging to Mattini Airline Services Limited, missed the runway when it landed and skidded into the nearby bush.
The incident led to the suspension of operating licence given to the private jet operator by the NCAA.
Acting Director-General of NCAA, Chris Najomo, had in a press conference in January warned that all private jet owners operating commercial services risk losing their licenses for non-compliance.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
