The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has declared that aviation safety remains non-negotiable as Fly-Pyatic secured its Air Operator Certificate (AOC), paving the way for the company to commence commercial air transport operations and expand its role in Nigeria’s growing executive aviation sector.

The presentation of the certificate to Fly-Pyatic, the aviation flagship of Pyatic Group, marks a significant milestone for the company, which is also positioning itself to manage partner fleets as part of a broader strategy to provide executive mobility and aviation solutions to businesses, institutions and high-net-worth individuals.

Speaking during the presentation of the certificate in Abuja, NCAA Director-General, Captain Chris Ona Najomo, described the certification as a major achievement but stressed that maintaining the highest standards of safety and operational discipline would be critical to sustaining the approval.

“What is important now is not just obtaining the AOC but maintaining it. Safety remains non-negotiable. We are committed to supporting operators while ensuring the highest standards of safety and operational discipline are maintained across the industry,” Najomo said.

The Air Operator Certificate is one of the most stringent regulatory approvals in the aviation industry and authorises holders to conduct commercial flight operations. Industry experts often compare its significance to obtaining a banking licence because of the extensive safety, technical, operational and organisational requirements that must be met before approval is granted.

By securing the certificate, Fly-Pyatic has demonstrated compliance with rigorous regulatory standards covering aircraft maintenance, personnel competence, operational procedures, emergency response systems, safety management processes and organisational capability.

The certification also clears the path for Fly-Pyatic’s entry into executive charter services and non-scheduled flight operations while strengthening its capacity to provide fleet management services for strategic partners.

Responding to the development, Founder and Group Chief Executive Officer of Pyatic Group, HRH (Capt.) Aliyu Ahmad Yakubu, described the AOC as more than a regulatory approval, saying it represents a platform for expanding access to opportunities and driving economic growth through improved mobility.

“For Fly-Pyatic, the AOC represents more than permission to fly. It represents a belief that mobility creates access, access creates opportunities and opportunities transform lives,” he said.

“This is more than a certification; it is the foundation for a bigger vision. We are building an aviation-led enterprise where mobility enables business growth, connects opportunities and creates lasting value.”

According to Yakubu, the company is focused on leveraging aviation as a strategic business tool rather than merely a luxury service, helping executives, entrepreneurs and organisations overcome the challenges associated with travel delays, scheduling limitations and connectivity gaps.

He noted that while Nigeria’s aviation industry continues to face infrastructure challenges, high operating costs and financing constraints, the sector also offers significant opportunities for innovation and growth.

“Despite the challenges, there is enormous potential for operators who can rethink how aviation serves businesses and the wider economy. We believe aviation should be seen as a catalyst for productivity, efficiency and economic development,” he said.

Also speaking, Group Chief Operating Officer of Pyatic Group, Mr. Bola Adeeko, said Fly-Pyatic is building its services around the evolving needs of modern executives and organisations that require speed, reliability, privacy and flexibility.

“When people move faster, businesses grow faster. Today’s leaders are not simply looking for flights; they want reliability, flexibility, privacy and the ability to maximise every hour. That is the value Fly-Pyatic is bringing to the market,” Adeeko said.

He explained that the company’s executive mobility model is designed to support corporate executives managing multiple commitments across cities, entrepreneurs seeking secure travel options, organisations requiring efficient team movement, and government and diplomatic institutions where reliability and discretion are essential.

One of Pyatic Group’s strategic partners, PwC, also played a key role in supporting the Group’s transformation journey by providing insights that helped shape a stronger, more aligned and future-focused organisation.

With the AOC now secured, Fly-Pyatic says it is committed to delivering safe, reliable and efficient aviation services while contributing to business productivity, economic growth and sustainable partnerships across Nigeria and beyond.

The company said the certification represents not only a regulatory milestone but also a commitment to redefining executive mobility through on-demand charter services, corporate mobility solutions and flexible travel arrangements designed to help businesses move with speed, confidence and purpose.

For Fly-Pyatic, the goal remains clear: empowering economies and building sustainable partnerships, one journey at a time.