Musa Nuhu, the director-general of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCCA), has presented an Air Transport Licence (ATL) to the interim management of Nigeria Air.

“This ATL has gone through all the processes. So, at this point in time, I will like to do the presentation,” he said to a team of Nigeria Air management on Monday.

He added, “We look forward to the fulfilment of the AOC process so that we can hand over the AOC certificate to you.”

He said that ATL was a prerequisite for the airline to acquire Air Operation Certificate (AOC) to start operating.

“As the regulator, we work with operators. That is a goal to promote the growth of the industry. It is important to have strong airlines in Nigeria in view of the Single African Transport Market.

“Also, in view of Africa Continental Free Trade Area which can make significant contribution to the growth of Nigerian economy, “he said.

Mr Nuhu said Nigeria stood to get the best from the AU Agenda 2063 Air programme, being one of the largest markets in Africa.

Responding, the acting chief executive of Nigeria Air, Dapo Olumide, thanked NCAA for the job executed, leading to the present ATL to Nigeria Air.

Mr Olumide said the team would double efforts to fulfil all necessary processes to receive an AOC certificate from NCAA to start flying.

“We already have aircraft identified because that is one of the requirements for the NCAA. We are waiting for the terms of agreement with the provider of Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM).

“What we need now is to go through stages to get AOC certificate from NCAA. No magic in the process. It is not something that can be issued because they like your face.

“When you have an AOC and ATL, you can commence commercial scheduled operations. The date to start operation is largely based on the process one is following to get the AOC certificate,” he said. 

(NAN)