The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, has suspended the Permit for Non Commercial Flights (PNCF) of ten private jet operators.
The affected operators are: Azikel Dredging Nigeria Ltd, Bli-Aviation Safety Services, Ferry Aviation Developments Ltd, Matrix Energy Ltd, Marrietta Management Services Ltd, Worldwide Skypaths Services, Mattini Airline Services Ltd, Aero Lead Ltd, Sky Bird Air Ltd and Ezuma Jets Ltd.
The suspension, according to NCAA, was due to their failure to undergo recertification of their licences as directed by the Authority.
This was contained in a statement in Abuja on Friday by the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection of the Authority, Michael Achimugu.
The statement reads: “The Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 Part 18.3.4 forbids holders of PNCF from using their aircraft for carr8age of passengers, cargo or mail for hire or reward (commercial operation or charter services)
“As a result of flagrant disregard of this rule, the NCAA had earlier directed all holders of PNCF to undergo re-evaluation which should have been concluded by the 19th of April 2024.
“To this end, the NCAA has suspended the Permit for Non Commercial Flights of Azikel Dredging Nigeria Ltd, Bli-Aviation Safety Services, Ferry Aviation Developments Ltd, Matrix Energy Ltd, Marrietta Management Services Ltd, Worldwide Skypaths Services, Mattini Airline Services Ltd, Aero Lead Ltd, Sky Bird Air Ltd and Ezuma Jets Ltd.”
“The public is hereby notified that it is illegal to engage PNCF holders for commercial purposes. The NCAA will not hesitate to initiate enforcement actions against any PNCF holder found guilty of illegal operations.”
The Authority also stated that its officials have been deployed to General Aviation Terminals (GAT) and private wings of the airports to monitor activities of the PNCF holders.