NCAA re-issues Air Operation Certificate to Overland Airways

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has re-issued a new Air Operation Certificate (AOC) to Overland Airways.

A statement by Overland’s Deputy General Manager, Media, Mr Sam Adurogboye, said the company successfully went through the process and had met the requirements set by the regulatory authority.

“ Overland Airways, having successfully undergone the process and met the requirements, the regulatory authority has, therefore, re-issued a new Air Operators Certificate (AOC) to the airline,’’ the statement said.

The statement quoted the Acting Director-General of NCAA, Mr Benedict Adeyileka, as saying while presenting the certificate, that the organisation would continue to support the growth of the airline.

“Overland submitted the Pre-Application Statement of Intent (PASI), Formal Application, Document Evaluation – manuals were submitted and their training were inspected and approved before they were cleared to proceed to the next phase.

“The Base Inspection and Successful Evacuation Demonstration were conducted. Demonstration plan was approved while the flight demonstration was done for 50 mandatory hours as demo hours.

“I commended the tenacity of Overland Airways during the exercise.

“Our doors are open, as the regulatory authority. We are here to listen to you and provide you with solutions when you involve us in your challenges,” Adeyileka was quoted as saying.

He, however, said the agency would have zero tolerance for non-compliance with regulations.

“We cannot compromise safety and security. Our processes have been modified. If you have any misgiving concerning our regulations, you are free to interact with us.

“Some portions of the Regulation can be amended but will have to pass through a process. It has to be suitable for the airlines’ growth propensity, but it must not jeopardise safety,” it added.

The Managing Director of Overland, Capt. Edward Boyo, said that the AOC was the basis of the airlines’ existence.

“We want to thank the DG and his team. We are proud to say we enjoyed working with them. It was a tough road to traverse due to the professionalism of the certification team.

“However, it was well worth it at the end.’’

Boyo urged the NCAA to provide an enabling environment for a quantum number of airlines to come on stream in Nigeria.

According to him, there are several routes that need to be opened up for more operators.

The AOC was signed on the March 27 and will be valid for two years. (NAN)