NCAA reinstates Omni-Blu’s operating certificate after probing falsification of safety report

Omni-Blu Aviation says the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has cleared it of any wrongdoing and reinstated its air operators certificate (AOC).

Akin Olateru, chief executive officer (CEO) of Omni-Blu Aviation, spoke in a statement on Monday in Lagos.

On January 30, the NCAA said it revoked the AOCs of Eastwind Aviation Logistics Services Limited and Omni-Blu Aviation over safety issues.

NCAA claimed Omni-Blu Aviation and Eastwind Aviation are in violation of Part 1.2.1.5 of Nig. CARs on falsification, reproduction, or alteration of applications, licences, certificates, logbooks, reports, or records.

Providing updates on Monday, Olateru said the NCAA had initially revoked the certificate over alleged violations of Part 1.2.1.5 of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CARs).

According to Olateru, the NCAA, in a letter dated February 28 (Ref: NCAA/DGCA/DLS/CS/2025/013), said Omni-Blu Aviation is cleared of any involvement in the issuance or falsification of a readout report.

He noted that the NCAA’s letter confirmed that “the falsified readout report for the avionics equipment of a Sikorsky S76C+ helicopter (MSN 760486, Reg. Mark 5N-BQG) was facilitated by the aircraft’s owner/operator, Eastwind Aviation Ltd”.

The CEO added that the NCAA concluded there was no active participation by Omni-Blu Aviation in the events leading to the falsification of the readout report.

Olateru further said there was neither any intent to falsify nor any knowledge of the falsification on the part of Omni-Blu Aviation.

“We wish to thank the NCAA appeal review panel and the D-G NCAA for painstakingly and dispassionately undertaking this administrative review and reaching a most equitable decision,” he said.

“We also wish to thank our clients, customers, stakeholders, industry friends and well-wishers, and everyone who 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 year since the company obtained its AOC and began commercial flight operations.

“Never has it been implicated for any sharp practice or cutting of corners to obtain any certifications or approvals from the NCAA.”

Olateru reiterated his company’s commitment to safety and compliance with all regulations.