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Nigerian Airlines Commend Civil Aviation Authority for Denying Nigeria Air Certification

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Justice Nwafor
New Update
File photo for illustration <br> Image Credit: Open Source

The Nigerian domestic airlines, operating under the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON), have extended their heartfelt appreciation to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) for diligently safeguarding the aviation industry by adhering to proper procedures during the certification process of Nigeria Air. In an official statement released on Sunday by Prof Obiora Okonkwo, the spokesperson of AON, the association commended the courageous efforts of the NCAA team, led by Director General Capt Musa Nuhu, in upholding the safety and integrity of the Nigerian aviation sector.

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Upholding Due Process: AON Applauds NCAA's Decision

The recent delivery of the first plane for Nigeria Air, the country's national carrier, stirred controversy among local airline operators, who alleged that it contravened a court order, restraining the government from progressing with the project. The AON expressed their gratitude towards the NCAA for resisting pressure from Minister Hadi Sirika to issue an Air Operators Certificate (AOC) to Nigeria Air without following the due process. The AOC is a crucial safety certificate that certifies an airline's ability to conduct safe flight operations.

The AON highlighted the significance of the aviation industry as a crucial sector for the economic development of Nigeria. Any mishandling or compromise within this industry can have a severe negative impact on the entire economy. The association, being a prominent stakeholder, understands its national duty to prevent such incidents from occurring. They further acknowledged the dedication and bravery of the NCAA team, under the leadership of Capt. Musa Nuhu, for upholding the standards and reputation of the Nigerian aviation industry on a global scale.

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Potential Catastrophic Consequences

Okonkwo emphasized the catastrophic consequences that could arise from issuing an AOC to Nigeria Air without following the established process. The certification process for an airline requires undergoing a rigorous five-phase procedure, that ensures adherence to safety protocols. Deviating from this standard process, he argued, would be a serious violation punishable by law. Moreover, granting an AOC to Nigeria Air without due process could result in Nigeria being blacklisted by international aviation safety agencies such as the US Federal Aviation Administration and the European Aviation Safety Agency. Such an outcome would significantly impact the country's aviation industry, preventing foreign airlines from operating in Nigeria and restricting Nigerian airlines from operating in other countries.

Clarifying Misconceptions: AON Sets the Record Straight

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The AON addressed the recent public interest surrounding the unveiling and water splash ceremony of the first Nigeria Air aircraft, clarifying certain misconceptions. They pointed out that the aircraft used for the static display in Abuja on May 26, 2023, was not the inaugural flight of Nigeria Air. The water salute, a customary practice to mark the first flight of an aircraft to an airport, was given to an Ethiopian Airlines' aircraft bearing an Ethiopian registration number (ET-APL). This aircraft arrived in Nigeria as an Ethiopian Airlines flight, not as part of Nigeria Air.

The AON emphasized that Nigeria Air has not yet received an AOC from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, the legal authority responsible for issuing such certificates. Consequently, the airline is not permitted to commence flight operations at this time.

Concerns and Allegations: AON Questions Nigeria Air Establishment

The AON expressed concern regarding the establishment of Nigeria Air, which they claimed has been shrouded in secrecy despite the Ministerial Committee's recommendation for a private sector-driven national carrier with minimal government involvement. According to Okonkwo, the Minister disregarded this recommendation and has been overseeing various aspects of Nigeria Air's establishment, including logo design and its unveiling at the Farnborough Air Show in the UK, as well as providing office space. The AON further alleged that there are dangerous agendas aimed at eliminating indigenous operators and granting a monopoly to Ethiopian Airlines, which already possesses multiple landing rights in Nigeria.

The association has taken legal action against Ethiopian Airlines, accusing them of blatantly disobeying a Nigerian court order and participating in deceiving the Nigerian public. Ethiopian Airlines' landing of an aircraft in Abuja on May 26, 2023, and the subsequent water salute were seen as a violation of Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations, as the aircraft did not belong to Nigeria Air and was not registered in Nigeria as required. The AON underscored the lack of respect shown by Ethiopian Airlines toward Nigeria, its laws, and regulatory agencies. They called for accountability and emphasized the importance of conducting the establishment of Nigeria Air in a manner that genuinely benefits Nigeria's aviation industry.

Nigeria Business Civil Aviation Authority Nigerian Airlines Denying Nigeria Air Certification
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