The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority has reinstated the Air Operator Certificate of Omni-Blu Aviation, nearly four weeks after revoking it over allegations of document falsification.
In January, the NCAA withdrew the AOCs of both Omni-Blu Aviation and Eastwind Aviation Logistics Services Limited, citing concerns over the falsification, reproduction, or alteration of applications, licenses, certificates, logbooks, reports, or records.
However, on Monday, Omni-Blu Aviation announced that it had successfully appealed the decision, leading to the NCAA lifting its operational suspension.
According to the airline’s CEO, Akin Olateru, the NCAA, in a letter dated February 28, 2025 (Ref: NCAA/DGCA//DLS/CS/2025/013), acknowledged that additional evidence provided by Omni-Blu Aviation proved that the falsification of an avionics readout report for a Sikorsky S76C helicopter (MSN 760486, Reg. Mark 5N-BQG) was orchestrated by the aircraft’s owner, Eastwind Aviation Limited.
Following a thorough review, the regulatory authority concluded that Omni-Blu Aviation had no direct involvement in the events leading to the falsification of the report.
Additionally, the investigation determined that the airline neither intended to falsify the document nor had prior knowledge of the alteration.
Expressing his appreciation, Olateru commended the NCAA for conducting a fair and comprehensive review.
He stated, “We wish to thank the NCAA appeal review panel and the DG NCAA for painstakingly and dispassionately undertaking this administrative review and reaching a most equitable decision.
“We also wish to thank our clients, customers, stakeholders, industry friends and well-wishers, and everyone who through calls, text messages and visits showed solidarity, believing in us and our avowed integrity through this most difficult experience.
“It is worthy of note that 2025 will be the tenth (10) year since OBA obtained its AOC and started commercial flight operations, never has she been implicated for any sharp practice or cutting of corners in order to obtain any certifications or approvals from the NCAA.”
Confirming the reinstatement, NCAA spokesperson Michael Achimugu, in a telephone conversation with The PUNCH, stated that the airline had received a letter restoring its AOC.
However, he noted that Omni-Blu Aviation would not be able to resume operations until all outstanding fines were settled.
“I can confirm to you that a letter of reinstatement was sent to them last week but they can’t operate until all pending fines are paid,” Achimugu said.
