NCAA Initiates Audit Of All Private Jet Operations In Nigeria

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has initiated a safety and economic audit of all private jet operations in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the NCAA has suspended the operations of Mattini Airline Services Limited with immediate effect.

A statement signed by Michael Achimugu, NCAA’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection reads: “NCAA is aware of 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. Mattini Airline Services Limited holds a valid Permit for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF).

In line with 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 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 suspended the PNCF of Mattini Airline Services Limited with immediate effect.

The suspension will subsist until determination is made that the conditions of the PNCF have been adhered to.”

The Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), Mrs. Bimbo Olawunmi Oladeji has issued a statement saying that “NSIB has been notified and commenced investigation into a serious incident involving a Challenger 601-3R aircraft with Nationality and Registration Marks N580KR operated by Mattini Air which occurred at about 1055am (Local Time) on 26th January, 2024.

The aircraft, with 12 passengers and three crew members onboard was en-route Ibadan from Abuja. The aircraft, on final approach to landing Runway 22, Ibadan Airport overshoot the runway. There was no fatality, as all passengers and crew were safely evacuated.

The NSIB has deployed a Go Team to investigate the incident. As the investigating agency, NSIB needs and hereby solicits for your assistance. We want the public to know that we would be amenable to receiving any video clip, relevant evidence, or information any members of the public may have of the serious incident; that can assist us with this investigation.

The Bureau will appreciate that the general public and press respect the privacy of the people involved and NOT assume the cause of the serious incident until formal report is released.

The Bureau will release the preliminary report as soon as possible.”