NCAA Grants AOC to Pioneer Airlines to Commence Operations

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), on May 13, 2026, formally granted an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) to Pioneer Airlines Limited to commence non-scheduled flight operations following successful completion of the five-phase certification process.

Speaking at the presentation ceremony, held at the NCAA headquarters in Abuja, the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Capt. Chris Najomo, congratulated the airline for meeting all regulatory and safety requirements.

Capt. Najomo described the certification exercise as thorough and safety-driven, stressing that obtaining the certificate was only the beginning of the airline’s responsibilities, as NCAA oversight would intensify to ensure strict compliance with approved procedures and regulations.

Capt. Najomo urged the airline to maintain a strong safety culture and embrace voluntary compliance and internal reporting systems to prevent operational lapses.

Responding, the airline’s Group Managing Director, Capt. Henry Ungbuku Okobaundu, expressed profound appreciation to the NCAA management led by Capt. Najomo and the certification team for their guidance, professionalism and commitment throughout the certification process.

He assured that the airline will maintain the required safety standards that earned them the certification.

In attendance on the side of NCAA were Director of Operations, Licensing and Training Standards, Capt. Donald Spiff; General Manager, Air Operator Certification & Surveillance, Engr (Dr) Ifeanyi Iteke; General Manager, Standards, Capt. Ibinabo Solomon; General Manager, Approved Maintenance Organization, Engr. Suleima Akwuh; the certification team; and a host of staff.