NCAA revokes licenses of two aviation operators over regulatory breaches

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has revoked the Air Operator Certificates (AOCs) of two aviation companies Omni-Blu Aviation and Eastwind Aviation Logistics Services Limited over violations of regulatory standards.

According to the NCAA, both companies were found to be in breach of Part 1.2.1.5 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs), which prohibits falsification, reproduction, or alteration of applications, licenses, certificates, logbooks, reports, or records. Under Part 1.2.1.5(b) of Nig. CARs, such infractions warrant the revocation of the Air Operator Certificate as a penalty.

As a result, the AOCs of Omni-Blu Aviation (OBA/AOC/12-15/002) and Eastwind Aviation (EAL/AOC/03-24/001) have been officially revoked, rendering them unable to operate aviation services in Nigeria. According to a post on the NCAA x handle.

Omni-Blu Aviation, a Lagos-based helicopter service provider, has been actively involved in the Oil & Gas sector, offering offshore transportation services. Similarly, Eastwind Aviation is a global commercial aviation services provider specializing in helicopter operations for the Nigerian Oil & Gas and Government sectors.

“In efforts to further sanitize the aviation industry, the NCAA has revoked the Air Operator Certificates of two operators:

“Eastwind Aviation Logistics Services Limited
Omni-Blu Aviation

“The Authority has determined that both Omni-Blu Aviation and Eastwind Aviation are in violation of Part 1.2.1.5 of Nig. CARs on Falsification, Reproduction, or Alteration of Applications, Licences, Certificates, Logbooks, Reports, or Records.

“Part 1.2.1.5(b) of Nig. CARs provide the sanction for such fraud as revocation of the certificate.

“Consequently, their respective Air Operator Certificates OBA/AOC/12-15/002 and EAL/AOC/03-24/001 are hereby revoked,”

The NCAA’s decision underscores the agency’s commitment to upholding strict safety and regulatory standards within the aviation industry. Given the high-risk nature of offshore helicopter services, the regulator emphasized the importance of compliance with safety measures and documentation integrity.

Recall that in October 2024 a Sikorsky SK76 helicopter operated by East Wind Aviation and contracted by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited plunged into the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima, off the coast of Calabar.

The aircraft was carrying six passengers and two crew members.

The NCAA has reiterated that it will continue to monitor all licensed operators closely and take necessary actions against any entity found violating regulatory provisions.