The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) announced on Friday the revocation of the Air Operator Certificates (AOCs) of Eastwind Aviation Logistics Services Limited and Omni-Blu Aviation.
In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the NCAA stated that the decision was part of ongoing efforts to “further sanitize the aviation industry.”
The regulatory body cited violations of Part 1.2.1.5 of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs), which addresses the falsification, reproduction, or alteration of applications, licenses, certificates, logbooks, reports, or records. According to the NCAA, both airlines were found guilty of such fraudulent practices.
“Part 1.2.1.5(b) of Nig. CARs provides the sanction for such fraud as revocation of the certificate,” the NCAA stated. “Consequently, their respective Air Operator Certificates OBA/AOC/12-15/002 (Omni-Blu Aviation) and EAL/AOC/03-24/001 (Eastwind Aviation) are hereby revoked.”
This decision comes in the wake of several incidents involving the affected airlines. In October, a helicopter operated by Eastwind Aviation crash-landed in the Atlantic Ocean, carrying eight people, with only one survivor. Meanwhile, Max Air, another Nigerian airline, recently suspended its operations for three months after one of its aircraft crash-landed at Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport. The incident occurred when the aircraft lost a landing gear tire during landing. Fortunately, all crew members and passengers were safely evacuated, with no injuries reported.
The NCAA explained that Max Air’s voluntary suspension of operations would allow the airline to conduct an internal review and address operational issues. The regulatory body emphasized its commitment to ensuring safety and compliance within Nigeria’s aviation sector, warning that any violations of regulations would be met with strict penalties.
This move by the NCAA underscores its determination to uphold safety standards and maintain public confidence in the country’s aviation industry. The revocation of the AOCs for Eastwind Aviation and Omni-Blu Aviation serves as a stark reminder to all operators of the consequences of non-compliance with aviation regulations.
