The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a strong warning to private jet owners about using their aircraft for commercial purposes without authorization. Violators will be subject to severe penalties.
The warning was given in a statement by Michael Achimugu, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, and was published on the Authority’s official account.
The statement explains that private jet owners are not allowed to use their aircraft for carrying passengers, cargo, or mail for payment, according to the Permit for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) they receive.
The NCAA stressed that private jet owners who engage in commercial activities or charter services will face serious consequences, such as having their permit suspended, withdrawn, or revoked, as stated in Section 32(4) of the Civil Aviation Act 2022.
Furthermore, the NCAA has increased its monitoring efforts by sending officials to General Aviation Terminals (GAT) and private airport sections to supervise the actions of private jet owners and ensure compliance with aviation rules.
NCAA said: “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.”
