The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has revoked the Air Operator Certificates (AOCs) of Omni-Blu Aviation and Eastwind Aviation Logistics Services Limited due to violations of regulatory standards.
According to the NCAA, both companies breached Part 1.2.1.5 of the Nigeria Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig. CARs), which prohibits falsifying, reproducing, or altering applications, licenses, certificates, logbooks, reports, or records. Under Part 1.2.1.5(b) of Nig. CARs, such infractions result in the revocation of an Air Operator Certificate.
As a consequence, Omni-Blu Aviation (OBA/AOC/12-15/002) and Eastwind Aviation (EAL/AOC/03-24/001) have lost their AOCs, preventing them from conducting aviation services in Nigeria. The announcement was shared via the NCAA’s official X handle.
Omni-Blu Aviation, headquartered in Lagos, has been providing helicopter transportation services, particularly for the Oil & Gas industry. Likewise, Eastwind Aviation is an international commercial aviation services company specializing in helicopter operations for the Nigerian Oil & Gas and Government sectors.
The NCAA stated:
> “In efforts to further sanitize the aviation industry, the NCAA has revoked the Air Operator Certificates of two operators:
Eastwind Aviation Logistics Services Limited
Omni-Blu Aviation
> “The Authority has determined that both 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.
> “Part 1.2.1.5(b) of Nig. CARs provide the sanction for such fraud as revocation of the certificate.
> “Consequently, their respective Air Operator Certificates OBA/AOC/12-15/002 and EAL/AOC/03-24/001 are hereby revoked.”
This decision highlights the NCAA’s commitment to maintaining strict safety and regulatory compliance in the aviation sector. Given the high-risk nature of offshore helicopter operations, the regulator stressed the importance of adhering to safety standards and ensuring document integrity.
Notably, in October 2024, a Sikorsky SK76 helicopter operated by Eastwind Aviation and contracted by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited crashed into the Atlantic Ocean near Bonny Finima, off the Calabar coast. The aircraft was carrying six passengers and two crew members.
The NCAA reaffirmed its stance on closely monitoring all licensed operators and taking necessary action against any entity found violating regulations.
