* Logo Source: The Eagle Online
…Warns Stakeholders Over Anti –Competitive Practices
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has said categorically that no airline can operate in the country without adequate insurance cover and other safety certificates in accordance with the provisions of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (NCAR) 18.11.2.
This is just as it warned industry stakeholders to avoid anti-competitive practices in the aviation sector.
The regulatory authority warning is coming on the heels of recent cases of disinformation prevalent in the industry in which there was insinuation in some quarters that a particular airline aircraft crashed on one hand, which was outright false and on the other hand, there was also an allegation last week that a particular carrier does not possess aircraft spares to sustain a safe operation using the online platform.
It was also alleged that the same airline does not maintain its aircraft regularly, a claim the airline had since swiftly reacted to.
The industry regulatory body stated that it was unfathomable that some questionable sources have been posting and circulating some cruelly fictitious stories about some airlines.
An online statement signed by the General Manager, Public Relations, NCAA, Mr Sam Adurogboye, stated that the authority recently carried out a safety audit on Arik Air and there were no issue of safety concern found, adding that such reports should be discountenanced.
According to Adurogboye, “All those involved in this nefarious activity should promptly desist from this course of action as the consequences is seriously detrimental to the industry, particularly the confidence of the passengers. The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) is well aware of the high volume of passenger movement within the country and from the Diaspora during the yuletide season.”
He hinted that NCAA’s Aviation Safety Inspectors (ASI) have embarked on increased surveillance on airline operations in addition to its daily ramp inspection diligently carried out so as not to leave room for anyone to cut corners.
On the issue of insurance, contrary to some claims, Adurogboye stated that it was inconceivable for any carrier/flight crew to carry out any flight operation (private or commercial) without valid or all requisite safety certificates.
To buttress his point, the NCAA Spokesman cited the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (NCARs), 18.11.2, which states that, “No person shall operate any aircraft in public air transport category without adequate and valid insurance.
He added that on this strength, the authority will continue to statutorily provide robust regulation for safe and secure airline operations, appealing to passengers to show understanding and not take laws into their hands when it becomes inevitable that flight has to be delayed or cancelled on account of unfavourable weather conditions or any other operational issues such as unavailability of fuel whenever it arises.
In addition, Adurogboye hinted that the Consumer Protection Directorate has been strengthened to enforce the Passengers Bill of Rights as it relates to passengers and the airlines.
