Aviation regulator says new certification strengthens Nigeria’s charter flight market and reinforces safety oversight.
The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has issued an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) to Heliconia–EAN Aero Nigeria Limited, authorising the company to begin charter flight operations within the country.
The development was announced on Monday through a statement posted on the Authority’s official X account. According to the statement, the AOC was officially presented on December 1, 2025, during a ceremony at the NCAA’s corporate headquarters in Abuja, led by the Director General of Civil Aviation, Capt. Chris Najomo.
Capt. Najomo said the smooth certification process demonstrated Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to improve the ease of doing business in the aviation sector while upholding stringent safety standards. He noted that the Authority will intensify surveillance and continuous monitoring of all certified operators to ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements and strengthen industry credibility.
With the new certification, Heliconia–EAN Aero Nigeria Limited has completed all mandatory regulatory procedures and is now cleared to commence charter flight operations.
This approval comes months after the NCAA granted a similar AOC to 3 Horizons Limited, another operator that met the necessary conditions for charter services earlier in 2025.
An AOC confirms that an airline has the personnel, equipment, infrastructure, and safety protocols required for commercial operations. It also validates regulatory compliance and operational readiness, giving airlines credibility in the market.
The NCAA noted that the certifications issued to Heliconia–EAN Aero and 3 Horizons Limited reflect the growing activity and renewed investor interest in Nigeria’s charter aviation segment.
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