The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has taken decisive action by suspending the license of Mattini Airline Services Limited, the private jet operator involved in the recent runway overshoot incident at Ibadan airport.
The private jet, a Challenger CL 601 aircraft with registration N580KR, overshot the runway with 10 persons on board.
Responding swiftly, firefighters and rescue officials from the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria were dispatched to the scene.
The NCAA, in a statement, announced the immediate suspension of Mattini Airline Services Limited’s license pending the outcome of investigations into the incident.
The regulatory body not only expressed its commitment to thoroughly investigate the specific incident but also revealed plans for a comprehensive safety and economic audit of all private jet operations in Nigeria.
This underscores the NCAA’s dedication to upholding the highest standards in the aviation sector.
Amidst growing scrutiny of private jet ownership, particularly linked to government officials, the NCAA aims to enforce economic and safety regulations.
The Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Michael Achimugu, disclosed that the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) would conduct a detailed safety investigation into the Ibadan Airport incident.
Simultaneously, the NCAA is initiating an economic inquiry into the aircraft’s operation, focusing on the terms and conditions of the PNCF as outlined in its documents.
Emphasizing a zero-tolerance approach, the acting Director-General, Chris Najomo, warned that private jet owners operating commercial services face license revocation for non-compliance.
In a proactive move, the NCAA plans sting operations to ensure operators unwilling to comply and obtain an Air Operator Certificate cease operations.
This firm stance comes in the wake of a previous private jet crash-landing incident near Ibadan airport, where the NSIB criticized Flints Aero Services Limited for operating a non-commercial flight without proper authorization.