NCAA warns private jet owners on engaging in commercial activities

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued a stern warning to private jet owners against the unauthorized use of their aircraft for commercial purposes, stating that violators will face severe penalties.

This directive was communicated through a statement by Michael Achimugu, Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection at the NCAA, and published on the Authority’s official X account.

The statement clarifies that the Permit for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF), granted to private jet owners, strictly prohibits using their aircraft for transporting passengers, cargo, or mail for compensation or hire.

The NCAA emphasized that any private jet owner conducting commercial operations or charter services would face serious consequences, including the suspension, withdrawal, or revocation of their permit, as per Section 32 (4) of the Civil Aviation Act 2022.

Additionally, the NCAA has intensified its oversight by deploying officials to General Aviation Terminals (GAT) and private sections of airports to monitor the activities of private jet owners and ensure compliance with aviation regulations.

What the NCAA is saying:

“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.”