NCAA restores DiscoveryAir AOC …To carry out mini audit before operations

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, NCAA has lifted the suspension on the Air Operator Certificate AOC of the DiscoveryAir. The licence of the airline was suspended in January 2015. Confirming the news in a telephone conversation was the Chairman of the airline Mr. Babatunde Babalola. According to him, “ We are delighted to have our AOC back.” Sharing the positive news also was the Executive Director to the airline Mrs. Olushola Odubunmi who said ‘the letter of AOC’s restoration was delivered to the airline this morning’.

A statement from NCAA also echoes the reinstatement.  “The Director General of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority, (NCAA), Capt. Muhtar Usman has lifted the suspension placed on the operations of Discovery Air.

This was contained in a letter sent to the management of the airline titled “Notice of Restoration of Air Operators Certificate” which was signed by the Director General of the Authority.

The decision to restore the AOC was predicated on the satisfactory conclusion of a Financial Health Audit of the Airline.”

With a tone of satisfaction  the regulatory authority said, “In the aftermath of the Audit, the management of the Airline has demonstrated encouraging commitment to offset the outstanding staff salaries by the 30th of April, 2015.

In addition, all staff sent on compulsory leave without pay have been recalled.

The DG said the Authority is satisfied with the Letters of Credit from their financiers which had provided guarantee for their business in the long term.

Therefore in consideration of all the actions taken by the airline to address passenger complaints, the Authority, pursuant to Section 35(6) of the Civil Aviation Act 2006 hereby lifts the suspension of, and restores the Airline’s Air Operators Certificate (AOC) with effect from the date of receipt of this letter.”

Capt. Usman however, wishes to inform the airline that prior to commencement of flight operations, the Authority shall carry out a mini audit of the airline to confirm the safety of its operations.