Capt. Chris Najomo, DG, NCAA
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) said on Friday it issued five Air Operators Certificates (AOCs) to airline operators in one year.
Capt. Chris Najomo, DG of the CAA said this was made possible as a result of the process that has become seamless and less cumbersome with the deployment of technology and committed personnel.
Speaking at the ongoing stakeholders’ engagement on transforming the Aviation Industry through Strategic Partnerships: Advancing Airport Sustainable Development in Lagos, he said: ‘Under one year, we have released five AOCs. It used to be herculean task but that is now behind us”, he said.
Reacting to the disclosure, Aviation and Aerospace Development Minister Festus Keyamo said if it is possible to issue AOC in 24 hours, the NCAA should go ahead.
“I don’t expect less, I can see that the airlines are praising the NCAA for this but it is their duty to this and if AOC can be issued in 24 hours, why not”, he said.
Speaking on age and maintenance of aircraft, Najomo said the age of an aircraft matters less in aviation but maintenance should be done on schedule.
“How old an aircraft is measured by the the maintenance of the aircraft. Maintenance is key and surveillance on our part is important. What the Minister has done with Cape Town Convention Practice is to get airline to have access to newer equipment”, he said.
Speaking on ageing workforce and lack of jobs for professionals, Najomo assured that there are deliberate plans to get the younger pilots into the the system as older pilots are retiring.
