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NCAA misconstrued our operation-FirstNation
- We have complied with authority’s directive-Airline
FirstNation has reacted to its suspension by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), saying it would seek reconsideration and review of the suspension, in the light of facts that will be made available to the authorities. It noted that it would also cooperate with NCAA in good faith, to address all concerns and the alleged infractions to reach resolution.
The NCAA had today suspended the Air Operators Certificate (AOC) of First Nation Airways indefinitely for what it described as flagrant and continuous violation of the terms and conditions of issuance of its licence.
The aviation regulatory body however stated that it should be noted that anytime the airline demonstrates ability and willingness to comply with the extant regulations, the authority shall review the airline’s operations and restore the AOC to enable it commence operations.
The aviation regulatory authority also accused the carrier of carrying out unathourised and illegal operations.
This suspension was conveyed to the airline via a letter with reference no. NCAA/DG/CSLA/RM/1-06/18/2304 dated May 11, 2018, signed by the Director General of the agency, Capt. Usman Muhtar.
The carrier responded that it was reluctant to join issues, in the media with NCAA, as it believe that regulation through media sensationalism will ultimately not serve the industry well.
According to the airline, “Except to reiterate that we respect regulations and have immediately complied with NCAA’s directive.
“It is also a matter of fact, that we presented two airworthy aircraft, to the authority as far back as September 2017. It is therefore apparent that the context of our operation vis a vis compliance with the extant regulations and Government’s policy have been misconstrued.
A statement made available to the media late yesterday and signed by spokesman for the carrier Rasheed Yusuf said, that the allegations are not safety related and that “our operation achieved above industry dispatch reliability of over 95% and reputed for on time performance and schedule integrity. The operating aircraft and crew hold the relevant, safety critical approvals and authorisations.”
Yusuff noted that the basis of NCAA’s decision is therefore apparently commercial, stressing that in an industry facing worsening aircraft capacity constraints, the authority should be forward looking and working with industry to facilitate policies that will endear industry growth, so as not to further limit and compromise passengers’ choice options across all segments. The national interest has not been served by this development.
“We remain committed to the highest level of safety standard in line with industry best practise. Firstnation is currently working assiduously on fleet expansion and confident that we will grow our fleet this year, 2018.”
