By Sade Williams
The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has constituted a five-man Appeal Panel to hear the appeal filed by FirstNation Airways against civil sanctions imposed on the airline.
The hearing commenced today.
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.
The airline was informed that the Chairman and members of the Panel have considered their request and fixed new dates for definite hearing and determination of the appeal.
The new dates are now Tuesday 13th and Wednesday 14th June, 2017.The earlier time and venue remain unchanged.
Procedurally, First Nation Airways and its Pilot are requested to submit written witness statements and submissions in support of or against the appeal. This 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.
According to Sam Adurogboye, NCAA spokesperson, members of the Appeal Panel are drawn from two other airline operators, a private aviation lawyer and observers from NCAA.
The Panel has since commenced sitting.
It will be recalled that First Nation Airways and one of its Pilots were fined N32 million and N1.5 million respectively for violation of safety regulations in November, last year.
The NCAA while carrying out its statutory safety oversight responsibilities will continue to ensure fairness and responsiveness in our engagement with all the industry stakeholders.
