By Safiu Kehinde
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority on Saturday said it has suspended the operational license of Martini Airlines after its plane crash-landed in Ibadan on Friday.
Mr. Michael Achimugu, Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, NCAA said the suspension is pending the investigation into the Friday incident.
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 statement read in part.
Achimugu said that the suspension would subsist until determination was made that the conditions of the PNCF had been adhered to.
NCAA has further initiated a safety and economic audit of all private jet operations in Nigeria.”