NCAA grounds two foreign registered jets over illegal entry and operations

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has grounded two foreign registered aircraft with immediate effect.

The aircraft are Bombardier 700-100 with registration marks G-RBEN Global express S/N 9083 operated by Gama Aviation, United (UK) Limited and Embraer 135 J with registration marks XA-MHA.

The operator of G-RBEN  aircraft were found operating in Nigeria’s airspace with falsified flight clearance information and conducting illegal domestic flight operations in Nigeria.

Other infractions are conducting illegal commercial revenue flight operations contrary to conditions contained in Nig. Civil Aviation Regulations (NCARs) Part 10 and security violations.

Preliminary investigations,according to a statement by Sam Adurogboye,the Acting General Manager,Public Relations, revealed that the Embraer 135BJ registration marks XA-MHA was reported to have landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, from London, Farnborough without any flight clearance on the 10^th of September, 2015.

Reports from the Air Traffic Controllers (ATC) indicated that the crew informed them that they possess a ministerial approval for the flight. However, on landing; the crew could not produce any ministerial approval as claimed.

The BD 700-100 is a United Kingdom Air Operators Certificate (AOC) holder and has been carrying out several domestic operations between Abuja and Lagos without the Authority’s Permit/Certification in accordance with Nigerian CARs Part 10.

While further investigation continues both aircraft remain grounded. The aircraft country  registry in UK CAA  and Mexican Civil Aviation Authority [MCAA] will be notified  as appropriate.

The Legal and Enforcement department of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) ,Adurogboye said would  after the conclusion its investigation proffer appropriate sanctions and enforcement procedure according to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations [ Nig. CARs].

The Director General of NCAA, Capt Muhtar Usman has  reaffirmed the commitment  of the authority in the enforcement of compliance to Safety Regulations and zero tolerance to any form of violation.