The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has revoked the license of Mattini Airline Services Limited, the private jet operator whose aircraft exceeded the runway at Ibadan airport on Friday.
The private jet, carrying 10 individuals, experienced a runway overshoot before firefighters and rescue personnel from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria promptly responded to the scene.
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) announced an immediate suspension of the operator’s license, pending the outcome of investigations into the incident.
The aircraft, a Challenger CL 601 with registration N580KR, operated by Mattini Airline Services Limited, departed from Abuja to Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan, where the incident occurred at 11 a.m.
In addition to the license suspension, the NCAA expressed its intention to conduct a thorough safety and economic audit of all private jet operations in Nigeria, underscoring its dedication to upholding the highest standards in the aviation sector.
The ownership of numerous private jets, associated with both serving and non-serving governors, as well as National Assembly members across the country, has faced scrutiny.
These private jet owners have been accused of violating economic and safety regulations set by the regulatory body.
In a statement, Michael Achimugu, the Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at NCAA, announced that the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau has been engaged to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incident at Ibadan Airport.
Simultaneously, the NCAA has launched an economic inquiry into the aircraft’s operations, specifically focusing on the terms and conditions outlined in its PNCF documents, while the NSIB handles the safety investigation.
“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 a 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 traveling public of its utmost commitment to safety and the entrenchment of global best practices.”
During a press conference last week, Chris Najomo, the acting Director-General of NCAA, declared that private jet owners engaging in commercial services face the potential revocation of their licenses for non-compliance.
The DG mentioned that the NCAA would conduct sting operations to ensure that operators unwilling to comply and obtain an Air Operator Certificate cease their operations.
In a November incident, a private jet departing from the Federal Capital Territory crash-landed just before reaching the Ibadan airport.
The NSIB criticized the operator, stating that Flints Aero Services Limited had been issued a permit for a non-commercial flight.