NCAA Revokes Operator Certificates of Eastwind Aviation and Omni-Blu Air Amid Regulatory Breaches

 

NCAA Revokes Operator Certificates of Eastwind Aviation and Omni-Blu Air Amid Regulatory Breaches

In a decisive move to uphold aviation safety and regulatory compliance, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has revoked the Air Operator Certificates (AOCs) of Eastwind Aviation and Omni-Blu Air. This action underscores the NCAA's commitment to maintaining stringent oversight within Nigeria's aviation sector.



Regulatory Infractions Leading to Revocation

The NCAA's decision stems from identified breaches of aviation regulations by both operators.

Eastwind Aviation: Safety Concerns and Helicopter Crash

Eastwind Aviation faced scrutiny following a helicopter crash in Port Harcourt on October 25, 2024. Initial reports raised concerns about the airworthiness of the Sikorsky S76C+ helicopter (5N-BQG) involved in the incident. However, the NCAA later clarified that the aircraft was duly registered and maintained, dismissing allegations that it had been decommissioned.

Despite this clarification, the accident exposed potential lapses in operational protocols, prompting the authority to take stringent action against the airline. The NCAA's move signals a zero-tolerance stance on safety violations within Nigeria's aviation industry.








Omni-Blu Air: Conflict of Interest Violations

Omni-Blu Air's certificate revocation is linked to conflicts of interest within its organizational structure. Investigations revealed that Engr. Akin Olateru, the Director-General of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB), was a major financier of the airline.

This situation directly violates the Civil Aviation Act 2022, which prohibits government officials from managing aviation enterprises while in office. The NCAA emphasized that such conflicts compromise regulatory integrity, necessitating decisive intervention.

Broader Implications for Nigeria’s Aviation Industry

These revocations are part of the NCAA’s wider initiative to enforce compliance and maintain industry integrity. In April 2024, the regulatory body also suspended three private jet operators for engaging in unauthorized commercial operations, reinforcing its zero-tolerance policy towards regulatory violations.

By cracking down on non-compliant operators, the NCAA is sending a strong message to aviation stakeholders: strict adherence to regulations is non-negotiable.

NCAA’s Commitment to Aviation Safety

The NCAA remains steadfast in ensuring the highest safety standards in Nigeria’s airspace. By holding operators accountable, the authority is working to enhance public trust and bolster the nation’s aviation industry.

Aviation stakeholders are urged to prioritize regulatory compliance, as the NCAA continues its rigorous monitoring to sustain safety, reliability, and industry growth.

These latest developments highlight the NCAA's unwavering commitment to air travel safety, reinforcing Nigeria’s position as a key player in global aviation regulation.

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