Citing alleged illegal operations, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended indefinitely the Air Operators’ Certificate (AOC) of First Nation Airways.
This suspension order was conveyed to the airline via a letter with reference no. NCAA/DG/CSLA/RM/1-06/18/2304, dated May. 11, 2018.
The letter was signed by Capt. Muhtar Usman, the Director General of NCAA.
The letter titled Notice of Suspension of Air Operators’ certificate was delivered to the airline on the same date andacknowledged by the airline.
According to NCAA, it took the action due to consistent violation of the terms and conditions of issuance of it AOC.
NCAA alleged that the airline was carrying out unauthorised and illegal operations.
The letter revealed that when the AOC of First Nation Airways expired, the airline did not have at least two airworthy aircraft capable of servicing its approved schedule as required by Part 9.1.1.6(b)(2) (ii) of Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulation (Nig.CARS) 2015.
Consequently, the airline’s AOC was, upon renewal, restricted to non-scheduled operation, (charter) only.
However, First Nation Airways embarked on scheduled operations with continuous advertisement of its services and sold tickets at its Check-in counters in Lagos and Abuja airports.
NCAA had earlier notified the airline that it was investigating these violations.
The letter added: “Subsequently, by a letter dated 31st August 2017, the airline was directed to stop the illegal operations forthwith, warning that failure to desist would lead to a suspension of its operating authorisation.
“On further investigation, it was discovered that the airline had disregarded all warnings and continued with the unauthorised and illegal operations in violation of its AOC terms and conditions of issuance.
“This is contrary to the provisions of Part 9.1.1.4(d) of the Nig.CARS 2015 which provides that ‘each AOC holder shall at all times, continue in compliance with the AOC terms and conditions of issuance, and maintenance requirements in order to hold that certificate.'”
NCAA said it therefore determined that, pursuant to Section 35(2),(3) (a) (ii) and (4) of the Civil Aviation Act, 2006, First Nation Airways was no longer fit to operate air transport business under the authority of the AOC.
In addition, NCAA said the promoters of the airline are expected to return the AOC to its Director of Operations and Training within seven days.
It however said that anytime the airline demonstrated ability and willingness to comply with the extant regulations, it would review its operations and restore the AOC to it to enable it recommence operations.
NCAA reiterated its zero tolerance for violations of the Nig.CARS and vowed to continue to enforce compliance through application of appropriate sanctions for any infractions.
