The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has constituted a five-man Appeal Panel to hear the appeal filed by First Nation’s Airways against civil sanctions imposed on the airline.
This was contained in a letter written to the airline on 9th May, 2017, with reference number NCAA/DG/CSLA/RM/1-06/17/163.
Last year in November, First Nation Airways and one of its Pilots were fined 32 million naira and N1.5 million naira for violation of safety regulations.
Members of the Appeal Panel are drawn from two other airlines, a private aviation lawyer and observers from NCAA.
In a statement, spokesman for the NCAA, Mr. Sam Adurogboye said the Panel which commenced sitting today had earlier informed the airline that the Chairman and members of the Panel have considered their request and fixed new dates for definite hearing and determination of the appeal.
He explained that,First Nation Airways and its Pilot were requested to submit written witness statements and submissions in support of or against the appeal which would be submitted in 10 hard and soft copies and forwarded to the Secretary of the Panel.
“He will thereafter distribute same to all members of the Panel before the due date.
However, during the hearing of the appeal, the Appeal Panel may, at its discretion allow time for oral submissions if deemed necessary”
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) promised that it would continue to ensure fairness and responsiveness in their engagement with all the industry stakeholders while carrying out its statutory safety oversight responsibilities.
