The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has revoked the Air Operator Certificates (AOCs) of Eastwind Aviation Logistics Services Limited and Omni-Blu Aviation, effectively grounding their operations. The decision, announced via the NCAA’s official X (formerly Twitter) account, is based on violations of Part 1.2.1.5 of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs), which prohibit the falsification, reproduction, or alteration of applications, licenses, certificates, logbooks, reports, or records.
According to the NCAA, the severity of the violations warranted the immediate revocation of the airlines’ certificates, in line with regulatory provisions under Part 1.2.1.5(b) of Nig. CARs.
With the revocation, both airlines are no longer authorized to conduct commercial air transport operations. Eastwind Aviation, before losing its AOC, was primarily engaged in providing helicopter services to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, as well as government clients. The airline operated the Sikorsky SK76c helicopter (registration 5N-BQG), which was involved in a tragic crash on October 24, 2024.
The aircraft, chartered by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), crashed into the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima, Rivers State, while carrying eight passengers. The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) promptly launched an investigation into the accident, but the findings have yet to be made public.
Omni-Blu Aviation, on the other hand, specialized in helicopter charter services for offshore oil and gas operations, as well as private jet charters. The airline had previously faced regulatory challenges when, in October 2023, the NCAA suspended its certification process over concerns linked to its major financier, Engr. Akin Olateru, who was simultaneously serving as the Director-General of the Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB). Despite eventually obtaining its AOC, Omni-Blu’s operations have now come to a halt with this latest revocation. Reports indicate that top officials of the airline are currently engaged in discussions to resolve the matter.
The NCAA’s decision to revoke the certificates of these operators underscores its ongoing efforts to enforce compliance and maintain the highest safety and integrity standards within Nigeria’s aviation industry. The regulator has reiterated its zero-tolerance policy for infractions that compromise transparency and public trust. By taking decisive action against non-compliant operators, the NCAA aims to uphold the credibility of the industry and ensure that all airlines adhere strictly to aviation safety and regulatory requirements.
