NCAA Suspends Operating License Of Mattini Airline After Private Jet Incident In Ibadan

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has suspended the operating licence of Mattini Airline Service Limited.

The development is coming barely 24 hours after the airline’s private jet, Challenger CL 601 aircraft crash landed in Ibadan.

The jet had 10 passengers on board.

The airline operates on the Nigerian airway with a permit for Non-Commercial Flight (PNCF).

The NCAA in a statement signed by its Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mr Michael Achimugu, said that the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has launched an investigation into the incident in line with statutory provisions.

NCAA said, “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, 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.”

NCAA said it has further initiated a safety and economic audit of all private jet operations in Nigeria.

The NCAA assures the travelling public of its commitment to safety and the entrenchment of global best practices.

THE WHISTLER reported how the Bombardier Challenger 601 jet crash-landed at the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport in Ibadan, Oyo State on Friday after disappearing from radar.

The jet was flying from Abuja to Lagos.