The National Carrier for Nigeria, Nigeria Air is to kick start scheduled operations next month as earlier announced by the Minister of Aviation Hadi Sirika.
The presentation of the Air Transport License (ATL), by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) today in Abuja to the Management of the carrier led by Capt. Dapo Olumide is a strong indication that the much touted national carrier will debuts in July, 2022.
The ATL as presented today shows that, the carrier will operate scheduled and non-scheduled passenger and air cargo services.
Hadi Sirika on his twitter handle says, “Nigeria Air Limited received from Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) an Air Transport License (ATL), signaling the end of the beginning of operations of the Airline. Commencement date of domestic operations will be announced in due course”.
The ATL as indicated is valid for five years and, “the utilization of this license shall be in compliance with all relevant civil Aviation regulations”, and signed by Capt. Musa Nuhu, DG NCAA.
Capt. Nuhu said, the ATL was a prerequisite for the airline to acquire Air Operation Certificate (AOC) to start operating.
According to him, NCAA works and supports all operators currently existing and aspiring in the industry to get necessary documents after meeting all the requirements.
“This ATL has gone through all the processes. So, at this point in time, I will like to do the presentation. We look forward for the fulfilment of the AOC process so that we can hand over AOC certificate to you”.
“As the regulator, we work with operators. That is a goal to promote the growth of the industry. It is important to have strong airlines in Nigeria in view of the Single African Transport Market.
“Also, in view of Africa Continental Free Trade Area which can make significant contribution to the growth of Nigerian economy”.
Capt. Nuhu said Nigeria stood to get the best from the AU Agenda 2063 Air programme being one of the largest market in Africa.
He said participating in Single Africa Air Transport Market as a nation would increase Gross Domestic Products (GDPs).
Responding, the Acting Chief Executive Nigeria Air, Capt. Dapo Olumide, thanked NCAA for the good job executed leading to present ATL to Nigeria Air.
Capt. Olumide said the team would definitely double efforts in order to fulfil all necessary processes to receive AOC certificate from NCAA to start flying.
“We already have aircraft identified because, that is one of the requirement for the NCAA. We are waiting for the terms of agreement with Provider of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).
“What we need now is to go through stages to get AOC certificate from NCAA. No magic in the process. It is not something that can be issued because they like your face.
“When you have an AOC and ATL, you can commence commercial scheduled operations. The date to start operation is largely based on the process one is following to get the AOC certificate“ he said.
