The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended the Permits for Non-Commercial Flights (PNCF) licenses of at least three private jets for conducting commercial operations.
Acting Director-General of the NCAA, Captain Chris Najomo, announced this decision in a video press release on the official NCAA X account on Tuesday.
He highlighted that the affected PNCF holders breached the terms of their licenses and violated Part 9114 of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations.
Captain Najomo mentioned the government’s opposition to using private jets for commercial purposes, referring to previous directives from the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, to stop such activities.
“Back in November 2023, the use of private jets for commercial purpose had gotten the attention of the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, who issued marching orders for cessation of such acts.
“Subsequently, in March 2024, the NCAA had issued a stern warning to holders of the permit for non-commercial flights (PNCF) against engaging the carriage of passengers, cargo or mail for reward and hire.
“The Authority had also deployed its officials to monitor activities of private jet terminals across the airports in Nigeria.
“As a result of this heightened surveillance, no fewer than three private operators have been found to be in violation of their PNCF and Part 9114 of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations.
“In line with our zero tolerance for violations of regulations, the Authority has suspended the PNCF of these operators,” Captain Najomo said.
Furthermore, the Acting Director-General has instructed that all PNCF license holders in the country be reevaluated by April 19, 2024, to ensure they are complying with regulatory requirements.
