NCAA Lifts Ban on Discovery Air

The Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), Capt. Muhtar Usman, has lifted the suspension placed on the operations of Discovery Air.

This was contained in a letter sent to the management of the airline titled, “Notice of Restoration of Air Operators Certificate (AOC)”, which was signed by the Director General.

But in a statement signed by Mr Sam Adurogboye, deputy general manager, public affairs NCAA, said the decision to restore the AOC was predicated on the satisfactory conclusion of a Financial Health Audit of the airline.

“In the aftermath of the audit, the management of the airline has demonstrated encouraging commitment to offset the outstanding staff salaries by the 30th of April, 2015.

“In addition, all staff sent on compulsory leave without pay have been recalled” he said.

Mr Adurogboye quoted the DG saying that the Authority was satisfied with the Letters of Credit from their financiers which had provided guarantee for their business in the long term.

He said it was in consideration of all the actions taken by the airline to address passenger complaints, the Authority, pursuant to Section 35(6) of the Civil Aviation Act, 2006, hereby lifts the suspension of, and restores the Airline’s Air Operators Certificate (AOC), with effect from the date of receipt of this letter.

Capt. Usman however informed the airline that prior to commencement of flight operations, the Authority shall carry out a mini audit of the airline to confirm the safety of its operations.

It would be recalled that Daily Times recently published a story on NCAA restoring the AOC of Discovery Airlines following the fulfilment of the conditions given by the regulatory agency.

The AOC of Discovery Airlines was suspended following the inability of the airline to meet passenger’s obligations.