The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has taken the decision to suspend Max Air from domestic operations indefinitely. This action was communicated to the airline through a letter signed by Ibrahim Dambazau, the Director of Operations Training & Licensing, on behalf of the Director-General of the authority, Musa Nuhu.
The letter, with reference number NCAA/DG/AIR/11/16/363, directed the suspension of Parts A3 and D43 related to the operation of Max Air’s Boeing 737 aircraft type with immediate effect. Part A3 pertains to the airline’s aircraft authorization, while Part D43 deals with the Aircraft Listing of the Operations Specifications issued to Max Air Ltd.
The suspension means that Max Air is required to immediately halt the operations of all Boeing 737 aircraft in its fleet. The decision by the NCAA comes as a result of several occurrences involving Max Air’s Boeing 737 aircraft, which are listed in the statement.
These occurrences include the loss of the number 1 main landing gear wheel during a serious incident involving a Boeing 737-400 aircraft, fuel contamination of the main fuel tanks of a Boeing 737-300 aircraft leading to the shutdown of the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU), an aborted take-off due to high exhaust gas temperature, and an air return due to a duct overheat indication in the cockpit.
The NCAA has taken this step in order to ensure the safety and security of air operations in Nigeria. Max Air will be required to address the issues raised and demonstrate compliance with safety regulations before the suspension can be lifted.
The indefinite suspension of Max Air’s domestic operations highlights the importance placed on maintaining high standards of safety within the aviation industry in Nigeria. The NCAA will continue to monitor the situation closely and work with Max Air to ensure the necessary improvements are made to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.