The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), on Wednesday, granted an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) to Pioneer Airlines Limited to commence non-scheduled flight operations.
NCAA, in a series of posts on its official X handle on Thursday, said this follows a successful completion of the five-phase certification process.
AOC authorises an airline to conduct commercial air transport operations after meeting regulatory requirements covering safety, operational capability and technical compliance.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, held at the regulator’s headquarters in Abuja, the Director-General of Civil Aviation, Chris Najomo, congratulated the airline for meeting all regulatory and safety requirements.
Mr Najomo described the certification exercise as thorough and safety-driven, noting that obtaining the certificate was only the beginning of the airline’s responsibilities, as the regulator oversight would intensify to ensure strict compliance with approved procedures and regulations.
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He urged the airline to maintain a strong safety culture and embrace voluntary compliance and internal reporting systems to prevent operational lapses.
In his remarks, the Airline’s Group Managing Director, Henry Okobaundu, expressed profound appreciation to the NCAA management led by Mr Najomo and the certification team for their guidance, professionalism and commitment throughout the certification process.
He assured that the airline will maintain the required safety standards that earned them the certification.
In attendance on the side of the NCAA were the Director of Operations, Licensing and Training Standards, Donald Spiff; General Manager, Air Operator Certification & Surveillance, Ifeanyi Iteke; General Manager, Standards, Ibinabo Solomon; General Manager, Approved Maintenance Organisation, Suleima Akwuh; the certification team; and a host of staff.
