By George Ozalla
Rocket Aviation has received an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), clearing the airline to commence non-scheduled flight operations in Nigeria after successfully completing the regulatory requirements set by the aviation authority.
The certificate was presented to the airline on Tuesday at the NCAA headquarters in Abuja, bringing to a close a certification process that lasted almost two years.
Speaking during the presentation, Director-General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo, congratulated the management of Rocket Aviation on the achievement and urged the company to remain committed to safety as it begins operations.
He stressed that securing an Air Operator Certificate is not the end of the process for any airline but the beginning of a greater responsibility to maintain safe and efficient operations.
Capt. Najomo advised the airline to ensure strict compliance with its operational procedures, encourage effective teamwork among flight and ground personnel, promptly report safety-related concerns, and sustain a culture that places safety at the centre of every operation.
He further stated that the NCAA would continue to carry out its oversight responsibilities through routine inspections, assessments and other regulatory activities aimed at ensuring operators comply with established standards.
The NCAA chief commended both the airline and members of the certification team for the commitment shown throughout the lengthy approval process, noting that the exercise involved detailed reviews, inspections and evaluations before the certificate was eventually granted.
According to him, the rigorous process is necessary to ensure that only operators that meet the required standards are allowed to provide air services within the country’s aviation sector.
Responding on behalf of the airline, Rocket Aviation’s Accounts Manager, Mrs. Bisola Yejide, expressed appreciation to the NCAA management and members of the certification team for their support and professional guidance throughout the certification exercise.
She said the airline would uphold the standards that earned it the approval and remain focused on maintaining safe operations while delivering quality services to its customers.
Mrs. Yejide added that Rocket Aviation is committed to professionalism and safety as it begins operations under the regulatory oversight of the NCAA.
The approval clears Rocket Aviation to begin non-scheduled flight services in Nigeria following the successful completion of the NCAA’s certification requirements.
