"Totally Unacceptable": NCAA Withdraws Xejet Air’s Operating Certificate Over Fake Insurance Coverage
- The regulatory body for aviation in Nigeria has withdrawn the Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) of Xejet Air over fake insurance
- The development follows an earlier threat by the regulator to ground any aircraft without valid insurance coverage
- Findings also showed that the airline only has one aircraft in its fleet
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The Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) of Xejet Air has been withdrawn by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) due to the airline's presentation of an alleged false insurance policy.
According to a source close to the agency, the apex regulatory took fast action after learning that the charter flight operator was using a false insurance policy to conduct business.
Source: UGC
Regulator reacts
The source revealed to Leadership that the regulatory authority was furious over the revelation and vowed to maintain the sub-sector's sanity going forward.
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Headquartered in Lagos, Xejet prides itself as a Business Class only airline. Findings, however, showed that it has only one aircraft in its fleet, an Embraer ERJ-145 with the registration number: 5N-BZM.
According to the airline's website, it strives to be the premium traveler's preferred airline.
It stated:
Xejet wants customers to experience the benefit of a private jet with personalised service within the comfort and safety of a commercial airline.
The company said efforts are in place to update the existing Boeing B737 with just Business class seats. It stated that the main objective is to offer tourists a worthwhile experience at a reasonable cost.
Legit.ng had reported that the regulator in a directive said any aircraft operated by any local airline without a valid insurance policy would be grounded.
This is contained in a directive issued by Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Captain Musa Nuhu, to all airlines and other aviation service providers on August 11, 2023, referencing NCAA/DG/AIR/11/16/369.
According to the directive, failure to comply with Part 18.14.1.1 of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs) 2022 will result in immediate sanctions.
It came after NCAA has released an informative notice on All Operator's Letter (AOL), notifying airline operators about fuel contamination occurrences within the aviation sector.
Expert recommends sanction
Speaking on the development, Ekerete Ola Gam-Ikon, a management consultant with a specialization in Strategy and Insurance, commended the NCAA's action.
The insurance expert noted that he also expects the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) to take further action against the airline in line with the law.
This, he said, will serve as a deterrent to others who choose to use fake insurance certificates to obtain regulatory approvals.
He said:
"NCAA and NAICOM should probably go beyond this and inspect the documents of those operating to validate or verify them.
"You will recall that we have had the case of a crashed airplane in this country that had unpaid premium for its insurance coverage. It is totally unacceptable.
"Incomplete Documentation:" NCAA Reveals Why Nigeria Air Cannot Fly
Legit.ng earlier reported how the NCAA rejected an application by Nigeria Air to proceed to the second phase of obtaining its Air Operators Certificate (AOC).
TheCable reports that according to the letter dated June 2, 2023, the aviation regulator said due to the unavailability of a proper application form and other required documents, the approval process cannot move to the second phase.
"The authority is in receipt of your letter dated May 25, 2023, on the above subject matter," NCAA said.
Source: Legit.ng
