NCAA lifts suspension on Discovery Air

THE Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) yesterday said it has lifted the suspension placed on the operations of Discovery Air and as well restored the airline’s Air Operators Certificate (AOC).

In a statement issued yesterday in Lagos and signed by the NCAA, the Authority said the decision to restore the AOC was predicated on the satisfactory conclusion of a financial health audit of the airline.

It said that in the aftermath of the audit carried out by the NCAA, the management of the airline had demonstrated encouraging commitment to offset the outstanding salaries of its members of staff by April 30, 2015 and that all members of staff sent on compulsory leave without pay had been recalled.

The Director-General, NCAA, Captain Muhtar Usman, said the Authority was satisfied with the Letters of Credit from the airline’s financiers, which had provided guarantee for its business in the long-term.

He said: “In consideration of all the actions taken by the airline to address passengers’ complaints, the Authority, pursuant to Section 35 (6) of the Civil Aviation Act 2006, hereby lifts the suspension of, and restores the airline’s Air Operators Certificate (AOC) with effect from the date of receipt of this letter.”

Usman, however, informed the airline that prior to commencement of flight operations, the Authority shall carry out a mini audit of the airline to confirm the safety of its operations.