Overland Tasks Government on Incentives for Aviation Growth
The Federal Government has been advised to pay more attention to business aviation in the country if it really wants the sector to growth to its full potentials.
The Chief Executive Officer, CEO, Overland Airways, Capt. Edward Boyo said this in Lagos in an interview with aviation correspondents .
According to Boyo, business aviation was a major contributor to economic growth and development in the country, saying that the sub-sector should be given adequate political support to thrive in Nigeria.
He estimated that at present, there are close to 150 business aircraft in business aviation in the country, which are owned by government, corporate organisations and individuals.
He pointed out that over 200 business and private flight clearances are processed by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA, while over 50 per cent of the civil aircraft registered in Nigeria are used for business and general aviation operations
He added that more than 80 per cent of helicopters registered in Nigeria are used for business aviation operations and charged the government to device a means of developing the sub-sector to accommodate the expected growth.
He noted that though the Nigerian aviation market has been dominated over the years by scheduled commercial aircraft operation, but predicted that growth is expected over the next 15 to 20 years in business aviation in the country.
He observed further that demand for business aviation was principally fuelled by activities in the oil and gas sector, there is however expectations that growth in the sub-sector in Nigeria would marginally slacken after the forthcoming general elections since political activities would wind down post-elections
Boyo advised that policy and regulation should be reviewed and implemented by the industry regulator, stressing that the regulators also get enhanced capacity and funding to carry out its duties diligently.
He added, “Operators must decide to obey regulations, and ensure that their licenses and certificates are used for the purposes approved by the NCAA and not engage in illegal operations. There is a need to continually enhance the processing of flight permits and related documentations.
”All stakeholders should work towards improved funding, insurance, and other support for business aviation in Nigeria. To drive Safety, capacity development and Safety management systems where applicable should be emphasised among business aviation operators. Also, NCAA should beef up its technical capacity to strengthen its regulatory oversight.
“Government should strengthen the enforcement of regulation and policies to ensure fair play in the business aviation sector while operators too should contribute to the development of local capacity. Periodically, business aviation policy and regulation should be reviewed in line with current global practice and dynamism of the industry.”
Besides, he urged the government to provide incentives to encourage local registration of business aircraft as opposed to foreign registration, which he noted has taken the centre stage in the country.
Also, while providing for adequate capacity, security regulation should be beefed up in the face of emerging threats.
