The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has just confirmed the runway excursion involving a Challenger CL 601 aircraft, operated by Mattini Airline Services Limited, with registration marks N580KR at Ibadan Airport on 26th January, 2024.
While confirming that Mattini Airline Services Limited holds a valid Permit for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF), the NCAA however announced the suspension of the airline’s valid permit.
Equally, the regulatory body is set to conduct a safety and economic audit of all private jet operations in Nigeria.
Oenerships of most of the private jets which have been traced to some serving and non serving governors and National Assembly members across the country had hitherto being accused of violating both economic and safety rules of the NCAA.
In a statement issued by the director of public affairs and.consumer protection in the NCAA, Michael Achimugu, the agency said in line with the statutory provisions, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched an investigation into the occurrence.
While the NSIB is conducting the safety investigation, the NCAA says it has initiated an economic inquiry into the operation of the aircraft viz-a-viz the terms and conditions of the PNCF as detailed in its Annexure.
In the meantime, and in accordance with Sec 32 (4) of the Civil Aviation Act 2022, the NCAA has also suspended the PNCF of Mattini Airline Services Limited with immediate effect.
The suspension, NCAA said will subsist until determination is made that the conditions of the PNCF have been adhered to.
NCAA has further initiated a safety and economic audit of all private jet operations in Nigeria.
NCAA however assured the travelling public of its utmost commitment to safety and the entrenchment of global best practices.