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

The operators failed to complete a mandatory recertification process despite the directive to do so by the regulator.

According to the NCAA, the affected jets were misusing their Permit for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) by engaging in commercial activities. The Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations 2023 Part 18.3.4 explicitly prohibits PNCF holders from using their aircraft for the carriage of passengers, cargo, or mail for hire or reward.

LEADERSHIP recalls that the NCAA had instructed all PNCF holders to undergo re-evaluation by April 19, 2024, but 10 operators did not comply. Consequently, their permits have been 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

NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, stated that: “It is illegal to engage PNCF holders for commercial purposes.”

LEADERSHIP reports that only a few days ago, the Federal Government accused some unnamed private jet operators of unwholesome activities like illicit drug trafficking, among others.