The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has revoked the Air Operator Certificates (AOCs) of Eastwind Aviation Logistics Services Limited and Omni-Blu Aviation for breaching critical aviation regulations.
The NCAA made this announcement on Friday via its official X (formerly Twitter) account, stating that both companies were found guilty of violating Part 1.2.1.5 of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs), which pertains to the falsification, reproduction, or alteration of aviation-related documents.
“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,” the NCAA statement read.
The regulatory body further cited Part 1.2.1.5(b) of Nig. CARs, which stipulates that the penalty for such infractions includes the revocation of an operator’s certificate. Consequently, the respective Air Operator Certificates—OBA/AOC/12-15/002 for Omni-Blu Aviation and EAL/AOC/03-24/001 for Eastwind Aviation—have been officially withdrawn.
Implications and Industry Response
The revocation of the AOCs effectively means that both Eastwind Aviation and Omni-Blu Aviation can no longer legally operate commercial air transport services in Nigeria. Industry experts believe this action underscores the NCAA’s commitment to upholding the highest safety and regulatory standards in the country’s aviation sector.
While NCAA did not provide further details on the specific falsifications committed by the companies, aviation analysts suggest that such violations could involve misrepresentation of maintenance records, pilot certifications, or operational reports—critical elements that impact flight safety.
Crash Incident Involving Eastwind Aviation
The regulatory action against Eastwind Aviation follows a tragic aviation incident involving one of its aircraft. On October 24, 2024, a helicopter operated by the company, carrying eight individuals, crash-landed off the coast of Bonny Finima in the Atlantic Ocean. Tragically, there were no survivors.
Although the NCAA has not directly linked the certificate revocation to the crash, the incident raised serious safety concerns about the airline’s operations. Investigations into the cause of the crash are still ongoing, and the findings may further shed light on whether regulatory breaches contributed to the accident.
Commitment to Safety and Compliance
The NCAA has consistently emphasized its zero-tolerance policy toward safety violations and regulatory breaches. This latest enforcement action reinforces its stance on ensuring compliance with aviation safety protocols, particularly in a sector where lapses can have catastrophic consequences.
As the industry reacts to this development, stakeholders are urging affected airlines to comply with all regulatory requirements and make the necessary corrections to regain their operational licenses. Meanwhile, passengers and corporate clients who previously engaged the services of Eastwind Aviation and Omni-Blu Aviation are advised to seek alternative arrangements.
The NCAA has assured the public of its unwavering commitment to ensuring that all aviation operators in Nigeria adhere strictly to safety and operational standards, prioritizing the well-being of passengers and crew members.
