By The Ameh News
Nigeria’s aviation industry recorded another milestone as the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) officially granted an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) to Rocket Aviation Services, authorizing the company to commence non-scheduled flight operations across the country.
The certificate, presented on June 23, 2026, at the NCAA headquarters in Abuja, marks the successful completion of a rigorous certification process that lasted nearly two years and involved extensive safety audits, operational assessments, inspections, and regulatory reviews.
Speaking during the presentation ceremony, the Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), Capt. Chris Najomo, described the approval as a significant achievement for Rocket Aviation Services and a positive development for Nigeria’s growing aviation sector.
According to the DGCA, obtaining an Air Operator Certificate is one of the most demanding regulatory milestones in the aviation industry, requiring operators to demonstrate full compliance with international and national safety standards before being cleared to commence commercial operations.
However, Capt. Najomo emphasized that certification should not be viewed as the end of the journey but rather the beginning of a continuous commitment to safety, operational discipline, and regulatory compliance.
He urged the airline’s management and operational personnel to maintain a strong safety culture by strictly adhering to Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), implementing effective Crew Resource Management (CRM), ensuring prompt reporting of safety concerns, and fostering seamless collaboration among pilots, engineers, cabin crew, and other operational staff.
“The issuance of an Air Operator Certificate signifies that the operator has met all prescribed safety and operational requirements. However, sustaining these standards through continuous compliance, vigilance, and professionalism remains critical,” Najomo stated.
The NCAA boss further noted that continuous inspections, safety reviews, surveillance activities, and regulatory oversight would remain essential components of the Authority’s mandate to ensure accountability and maintain the highest levels of aviation safety in Nigerian airspace.
He commended both Rocket Aviation Services and the NCAA certification team for their dedication, resilience, and professionalism throughout the certification process, stressing that the successful issuance of the certificate reflects the effectiveness of Nigeria’s aviation regulatory framework.
Industry analysts believe the entry of Rocket Aviation Services into the non-scheduled flight segment could contribute to increased capacity within Nigeria’s charter and specialized aviation services market, while also supporting business travel, logistics operations, and connectivity across underserved routes. 
Responding on behalf of the airline, Rocket Aviation Services’ Accounts Manager, Mrs. Bisola Yejide, expressed gratitude to the NCAA leadership under Capt. Chris Najomo and members of the certification team for their guidance, technical support, and professionalism throughout the process.
She stated that the airline recognizes the responsibilities that come with certification and remains fully committed to preserving the safety standards that earned it regulatory approval.
Yejide assured stakeholders that Rocket Aviation Services would prioritize operational excellence, safety management, personnel training, and continuous improvement as it begins flight operations.
“Our commitment is to uphold the highest standards of safety, professionalism, and service delivery. We appreciate the NCAA for its support throughout this journey and assure the Authority and the flying public that we will continue to operate in full compliance with all applicable regulations,” she said.
The approval further underscores the NCAA’s ongoing efforts to strengthen regulatory oversight while supporting the growth of safe, efficient, and sustainable air transport services in Nigeria.
Key Analytics
Certification Timeline: Nearly two years of regulatory evaluation and compliance verification.
Regulatory Milestone: Rocket Aviation Services successfully completed all NCAA operational and safety requirements.
Operational Scope: Authorized to conduct non-scheduled (charter) flight operations within Nigeria.
Safety Focus: NCAA emphasizes SOP compliance, Crew Resource Management, safety reporting, and continuous oversight.
Industry Impact: New entrant expected to deepen competition and expand capacity in Nigeria’s charter aviation market.
Regulatory Assurance: Continuous inspections and surveillance to ensure sustained compliance after certification.
The NCAA has granted Rocket Aviation Services an Air Operator Certificate following a rigorous two-year certification process, paving the way for the airline to commence non-scheduled flight operations in Nigeria while maintaining strict safety standards.
Discover more from Ameh News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
