Nigeria Air’s Commencement of Operations Delayed Due to Lack of Airline Operator’s Certificate
The proposed national carrier of Nigeria, Nigeria Air, may face further delays in commencing operations as it lacks an Airline Operator’s Certificate (AOC). The Airline Operators of Nigeria has indicated that if Nigeria Air were to begin operations in October 2023, as previously mentioned, it would do so without a valid AOC. The CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, Mesfin Tasew, had earlier stated that Nigeria Air would start flying by October and expressed eagerness for its operations to begin. However, the lack of progress in obtaining the necessary AOC has cast doubts on this timeline.
The controversy surrounding Nigeria Air has been ongoing, with delays and challenges, especially during the previous administration. Despite efforts, Nigeria Air could not advance to the second phase of the AOC process in June 2023, as indicated by a letter from the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority.
The spokesperson for the Airline Operators of Nigeria, Prof Obiora Okonkwo, who is also the chairman of United Nigeria Airline, emphasized that proceeding with operations without a valid AOC would be a violation of the law and court orders. He expressed confidence that the court would take appropriate action to address the matter.
Okonkwo further highlighted that the aviation industry is currently facing significant challenges that require attention, underscoring the urgency to address these issues over pursuing Nigeria Air’s operations without proper certification.
Opinion:
The delay in obtaining an Airline Operator’s Certificate for Nigeria Air highlights the importance of regulatory compliance and the complexities involved in establishing and launching a national carrier. An AOC is a crucial prerequisite for airlines to ensure that they meet safety, operational, and regulatory standards. It’s evident that addressing legal and regulatory concerns should be a priority, and any attempts to proceed without proper certification could lead to legal and safety risks. This situation emphasizes the need for transparency, accountability, and adherence to established processes when launching significant projects like a national carrier.