NCAA reinstates Omni-Blu after clearing falsification allegations
BY CHUKWUEMEKE IWELUNMO
Omni-Blu Aviation Limited says its Air Operator Certificate (AOC) has been reinstated following a successful appeal against the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority’s (NCAA) decision to revoke it.
The NCAA, in a letter dated February 28, 2025, confirmed the reinstatement of AOC No. OBA/AOC/12-15/002, clearing Omni-Blu of any wrongdoing related to allegations of infringing Part 1.2.1.5 of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs).
The initial revocation, according to the airline management in a statement issued on January 30, 2025, stemmed from allegations concerning a falsified readout report for avionics equipment on a Sikorsky S76C+ helicopter (MSN 760486, registration 5N-BQG).
The statement however says that Omni-Blu presented compelling evidence during the appeal process, demonstrating that the falsification was facilitated by the aircraft owner/operator, Eastwind Aviation Limited.
“We are pleased and relieved to announce that Omni-Blu has been cleared of any wrongdoing”.
“The NCAA’s thorough review confirmed that Omni-Blu had no active participation in the events leading to the falsified report and had no intention or knowledge of the falsification.”
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The NCAA’s letter, referenced NCAA/DGCA//DLS/CS/2025/013, highlighted the additional evidence provided by Omni-Blu, which swayed the appeal review panel.
The company expressed gratitude to the NCAA appeal review panel and the Director-General of the NCAA for their “painstaking and dispassionate” review, which resulted in an “equitable decision.”
This reversal marks a significant moment for Omni-Blu, particularly as the company approaches its tenth anniversary of commercial flight operations in 2025.
“In our ten years of operation, Omni-Blu has maintained an impeccable record, never being implicated in any sharp practices or compromising safety to obtain certifications or approvals. Safety and regulatory compliance remain our top priorities.”
The company also extended its appreciation to clients, customers, stakeholders, industry friends, and well-wishers who offered support during the challenging period. “The calls, text messages, and visits demonstrated unwavering solidarity and belief in our integrity”.
Omni-Blu Aviation reaffirmed its commitment to its core values, excellent service delivery, and strict adherence to regulations in all its business activities.
The reinstatement of the AOC allows the company to resume its operations without any further disruptions, solidifying its position as a reputable player in the Nigerian aviation sector.
It will be recalled that on January 30th, the NCAA revoked the Air Operator Certificates of two operators, Eastwind Aviation Logistics Services Limited and Omni-Blu Aviation in an effort to further sanitize the aviation industry.
The NCAA says, both Omni-Blu Aviation and Eastwind Aviation were in violation of Part 1.2.1.5 of Nig. CARs on Falsification, Reproduction, or Alteration of Applications, Licences, Certificates, Logbooks, Reports, or Records.
Part 1.2.1.5(b) of Nig. CARs provide the sanction for such fraud as revocation of the certificate.
