NCAA - NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA

Tosin Kolade
Dec, Fri, 2024

NCAA grants operator certificate to UZMA aviation services

539 total views today

By Gabriel Agbeja

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) to UZMA Aviation Services Limited, authorising the commencement of commercial flight operations.

The certificate was presented on Wednesday in Abuja.

Mr Chris Najomo, the Acting D-G of NCAA, commended UZMA Aviation Services for meeting all regulatory requirements and standards during the application process.

He urged the airline to prioritise safety, security, efficiency, and excellence in its operations.

In response, Mr Mohammed Abubakar, Chairman of UZMA Aviation Services Limited, expressed gratitude to the NCAA for its support and guidance throughout the certification process.

“We appreciate the trust the NCAA has placed in us by granting the AOC.

“We recognise the significance of this responsibility and are committed to upholding the highest standards of safety, operational excellence, and regulatory compliance,” Abubakar said.

He emphasised the airline’s commitment to adopting best practices, ensuring safety and reliability in all aspects of its operations.

He also highlighted the importance of security, assuring that advanced measures would be implemented to protect passengers and staff.

Abubakar added that the airline’s IT systems would feature robust safeguards to protect sensitive data and maintain operational integrity.

“Our safety policy is the cornerstone of our operations. We are dedicated to exceeding safety standards, ensuring every passenger travels with confidence and peace of mind.

“Your safety is our mission, and we work to make it a reality every day,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Philip Daniel Yatai
Oct, Fri, 2024

Aviation

NCAA lists compensations for flight delay, cancellation, others

735 total views today

By Gabriel Agbeja

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has affirmed that passengers are entitled to compensation for flight delay, cancellation, luggage delay, missing or loss by airlines.

Mr Michael Achimugu, the NCAA Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection stated this at a news conference on Thursday in Abuja.

According to him, passengers are entitled for first needs payment of N10,000 on domestic flights when passenger’s luggage is missing and 170 US Dollar on international flights while the luggage is being searched for.

“For domestic flights, the airline has one day to seven days to search for the missing luggage while on international flights, the airline has one day to 21 days to search for the luggage.

“A luggage is said to be lost if not found after seven days search on domestic flights and 21 days search international flights.

The process for compensation for missing g luggage commences after the said luggage is declared missing. Any fees paid for that luggage must also be refunded,” he said.

The director said the refunds for tickets on cancelled or delayed flights should be paid immediately, if payment was made in cash or within 14 days if it was by bank transfer or any means other than transfer.

According to him, refunds via means other than cash must be made within 14 days. However, some delay might be experienced from submission of required documents for the passenger

Contributing, the NCAA Director of Special Duties, Mr Horatius Egua, urged passengers to know their rights regarding the aviation sector.

He stated that challenges the authority encountered included, lack of awareness among passengers, limited enforcement of consumer rights, inadequate infrastructure and corruption.

“NCAA has emphasised increased passenger education and awareness, strengthening of regulatory agencies, improved airline customer service and enhanced infrastructure development

“By knowing your rights as a consumer, you can advocate for better treatment and services in Nigeria’s aviation sector,” he said.

On her part, Mrs Ifueko Abdulmalik, the Senior Special Adviser to the NCAA Acting Director General, Capt. Chris Najomo, said the airline ought to provide clear terms and conditions and also ensure timely departure and arrival.

According to her, Airline obligations are to provide adequate baggage handling, offer compensation for delays, cancellations, or overbooking and maintain safe and secure aircraft.

“Passengers have rights to know flight schedule, fare, and baggage allowance; right to compensation for flight delays; right to refund for unused tickets (within 7 days) and right to baggage protection.

“Common Issues from the passengers include, flight delays and cancellations, baggage loss, damage, or delay, overbooking and denied boarding, refund and compensation disputes, “ she said. (NAN)

Edited by AbdulFatai Beki/ Rotimi Ijikanmi