The Acting Director-General of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Captain Chris Najomo, expressed strong disapproval of the illicit activities carried out by illegal private jet operators in the country. He emphasized that these operators, referred to as a ‘Cartel,’ pose a significant threat to Nigeria’s aviation industry and have adversely affected the legitimate and licensed charter operators.
Najomo vowed that the regulatory body is set to publish the names of those involved in the illegal business and issue warnings to the Nigerian elite against flying in aircraft not duly registered with the NCAA.
Najomo made these statements during a meeting with stakeholders in the aviation sector in Lagos, following an incident involving a Flint Aero aircraft carrying the Minister of Power in November. The preliminary report by the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) revealed that the flight was operating illegally.
The NCAA DG highlighted that only holders of Air Transport Licence (ATL) and Airline Operating Permit (AOP) with a valid AOC are authorized to conduct charter operations. He pointed out instances where private jet owners covertly transform their aircraft into charter operations, violating the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs) 2015 Part 18.2.3.1.
This regulation stipulates that no person shall use an aircraft in Nigeria for hire and reward in the public transport category for non-scheduled or charter air service without holding an ATL or AOP issued by the Authority.
Najomo issued a stern warning that any members of the public engaging in transactions with unauthorized operators would be doing so at their own risk.