By Ismail Aniemu
In an uncompromising exercise of it’s regulatory powers, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has started imposing strict sanctions on defiant operators
Concerned about upholding standards and ensuring passenger safety at all times, the Acting Director General NCAA, Captain Chris Najomo has wielded the authority’s power of sanction on three aviation service providers in one week,causing one to be suspended for three months while two others lost their Air Operating Certificates.
,This is not the best of times for Max Air which got suspended on it’s local operation for three months. Omni Blu Aviation and Eastwind Aviation Logistics Services Limited Air Operator Certificates (AOC) we’re revoked by the NCAA.
The aviation industry regulator said on its official X handle that the revocation is part of efforts to further sanitize the industry.
According to the NCAA,both Omni-Blu Aviation and Eastwind Aviation are in violation of Part 1.2.1.5 of Nig. CARs on Falsification, Reproduction, or Alteration of Applications, Licences, Certificates, Logbooks, Reports, or Records.
The post reads”Part 1.2.1.5(b) of Nig. CARs provide the sanction for such fraud as revocation of the certificate.
“Consequently, their respective Air Operator Certificates OBA/AOC/12-15/002 and EAL/AOC/03-24/001 are hereby revoked” it concluded.
For Max Air, the NCAA announced that as a result of the incident involving Max Air B734 aircraft with registration marks 5N-MBD, which crash-landed at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano on Tuesday, 28th, January 2025 at about 22:51 hours, the airline was suspended on its domestic flight operations for a period of three months with effect from midnight, 31st January, 2025, to allow for an internal appraisal of its operations by its management.
The NCAA Director, Consumer Protection and Public Affairs, Micheal Achimugu who disclosed this in a press statement said statutorily, the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has initiated investigation into the occurrence.
According to him, the NCAA will provide the required support to the NSIB as the Authority has commenced organizational risk profiles for each scheduled operator, including Max Air, which is nearing its conclusion.
Achimugu noted that during the 3-month period, the NCAA will conduct a thorough safety and economic audit on Max Air and the safety audit will entail a re-inspection of Max Air’s organization, procedures, personnel and aircraft as specified by Part 1.3.3.3(b) of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations, while the economic audit will critically examine the financial health of the airline to guarantee its capability to sustain safe flight operations.
The NCAA spokesperson said resumption of Max Air’s domestic flight operations will be predicated on the satisfactory completion of this audit.
“It must be stated that the specific cause(s) of this incident can only be established after the NSIB has conducted its investigation.
“Max Air is suspending its domestic flight operations for a period of three months with effect from midnight, 31st January, 2025, to allow for an internal appraisal of its operations by its management.
“The NCAA is aware of the inconvenience this action may cause intending passengers of Max Air. However; the safety and well-being of passengers is paramount. Thus, NCAA appeals for patience and understanding while it ensures the protection of passenger right”, he wrote.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has also announced commencement of investigation into the incident
The Boeing 737-4D7 which arrived from Lagos with registration number 5N-MBD, B733 crash-landed at 9:15 p.m. after overshooting the runway and eventually losing its front tire.
Bimbo Olawumi Oladeji, the NSIB Director, Public Affairs and Family Assistance said all 53 passengers and crew members safely disembarked, and no injuries were reported.
“During the deceleration phase, while still under 60 knots and with the thrust reversers engaged, a loud bang was heard, followed by the aircraft veering sharply to the left. The flight crew promptly regained control and safely brought the aircraft to a stop.All 53 passengers and crew members safely disembarked, and no injuries were reported.
“The NSIB has deployed its GoTeam to the site of the incident. The team’s investigation will focus on identifying the root cause, including any technical, operational, or procedural lapses.The NSIB remains committed to upholding the highest aviation safety standards and providing recommendations to prevent future occurrences. As the investigation progresses, further updates will be provided.”, she wrote.
Acting Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) , Captain Chris Najomo has said Max Air has not performed well from its recent evaluation
Speaking during an interview session with Channels Television following the recent Max Air incident in Kano, Najomo said he had ordered risk assessment of six scheduled operators including Max Air and the airline’s record recent was not impressive.
According to him,Max Air has been performing poorly on safety as evident in previous incidents in Yola, Maiduguri and now in Kano.
While reassuring Nigerians of their safety as they fly, Najomo disclosed aviation authorities plans to extend operating hours of some local airports from 6pm to 10pm.
The Acting DG said talks are ongoing between NCAA, Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) and the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria(FAAN) to keep local airports equipped and fit to work till about 10pm
He commended the pilot at the Kano bound aircraft for controlling the noseway and achieved safety of passenger in the face of the challenge which involved noseway collapse upon landing and burst tyre.
He said the Nigeria Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) is investigating and NCAA will be guided by the outcome of all investigations on the matter as according to him, Max Air would be thoroughly checked before it is allowed to return to the local route.
On the fate of passengers to be affected by Max Air three months suspension,Najomo said the airline has agreed to rebook passengers on same route it plies,using Air Peace and Rano Air as alternatives or make refund to the affected passengers
Najomo said the B734 , a Boeing aircraft is the one being used for local operations while the airline international service remain since it uses B747 and B733 especially for Hajj services
The Ag DG said NCAA is on top of the game with inspectors on the ramp on a daily basis checking all aircrafts and Consumer Protection Officers attending to consumer issues. He added that these services also covers private jet operators
Speaking on why Nigeria dropped from category 1 to 2, Najomo said it had nothing to do with safetynot for safety. He said Nigeria’s ranking dropped because no local airline is flying into the US airspace and non has the United States FAA certification. . He added Nigeria’s chances of getting back to category 1 is still possible if our local airlines secure FAA certification.
He said NCAA 71 percent performance in the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) audit will be surpassed if a new audit is conducted today as the industry regulator is putting in its best to improve on the sector
