President, ASRTI, Air Commodore Ademola Onitiju retired
The Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative (ASRTI) has urged the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) to urgently review and restructure its Air Operator Certification (AOC) process to encourage the growth of new entrant low-cost carriers.
In a statement signed by General Secretary Olu Ohunayo, ASRTI proposes a two-tiered licensing system based on fleet size.
Airlines with up to 100 seats would follow a simplified licensing process with potential fee exemptions and tax holidays.
This, the statement argues, would mirror the U.S. system where Part 135 regulations cater to smaller commuter operators, separate from the stricter requirements for larger airlines under Part 121.
Key Benefits Outlined:
More aircraft and jobs: Increased market entry would boost demand for aircraft and create jobs for pilots, engineers, and other aviation professionals.
Revitalizing dormant airports: Smaller airlines could utilize underused airports, expanding access and potentially sparking local economic growth.
Maximizing airspace: Efficient utilization of Nigerian airspace would be optimized.
Passenger and cargo boost: Increased airline options would likely lead to more affordable fares and attract new passengers and cargo volumes.
Revenue generation: Growth in the sector would translate to increased revenue for aviation agencies and businesses across the value chain.
GDP contribution: A thriving aviation industry would contribute significantly to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Training ground for professionals: The new tier could serve as a training ground for pilots, engineers, and other aviation specialists.
