The Nigeria Civil Authority (NCAA) has suspended the permit of Mattini Airline Services Ltd pending completion of investigations into the runway excursion involving a Challenger CL 601 aircraft, operated by the firm.
NCAA spokesperson, Michael Achimugu, revealed this on Saturday.
A private jet operated by the airline which had departed Abuja with 15 persons on board, overshot the runway while landing at Ibadan Airport on Friday.
There was no fatality in the incident.
Achimugu said the suspension would continue until clarifications were made that the conditions of the Permit for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF) had been adhered to.
He assured commitment to safety of air travellers in line with best global practices, adding that, the Authority had begun a safety and economic audit of all private jet operations in Nigeria.
“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.
“NCAA wishes to assure the travelling public of its utmost commitment to safety and the entrenchment of global best practices,” he said.
