ASRTI seeks review of AOC criteria for low- cost carriers

AVIATION Safety Round Table Initiative ( ASRTI), a think- tank group of the local air transport sector , has called for a review of the Nigerian Civil A viation Regulations ( NCARS) to separate low- cost airlines from other scheduled carriers. ASRTI, in its observation for proposed amendments to the NCARS, sought the review of Part 9, bordering administration and the issuance or denial of AOC.

The professional group called for another layer of scheduled operator licensing to be urgently initiated for operators whose total fleet seats should not be more than 100. And on exceeding 100 seats, such operators must apply for the prevailing category of AOC, which will go through all the necessary certification processes as applicable. new entrant low- cost carriers, The call is in tandem with who will also be granted fee earlier protest s against sub - exemptions and tax holidays. jecting all scheduled carri ers “It can also encourage the – without consideration of existing carriers to set up subbusiness plan and size – to the sidiaries that are independsame regime of AOC adminisently managed and comple - tration. mentary. Just like we ha ve in General Secretar y of the the United States of America, ASRTI, Olumide Ohunay o, Part 135 for commuter and said the ASRTI believed that Demand Operations vis- à- vis the different layers of criteria Part 121 Operations. would stimulate growth of “Our proposal is not for the

NCAA to create a restricted airline operation with stringent safety regulations, but to encourage new entrants into operations that would expand airport access and create new markets,” Ohunayo said.

Among the benefits antici pated are more aircraft and jobs for different professionals in the industry, improved use of airports otherwise termed unviable or dormant in Nigeria, better use of our air space, augmented patronage and the enplanement of passengers and cargo.

Others are better revenue to all agencies and the entire aviation value chain, an increase in aviation contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product ( GDP) and veritable ground for training pilots, engineers, and allied profes sionals.