As the issue of unlicensed aviation fuel suppliers continues to escalate in the country, industry stakeholders are rallying airlines to maintain a state of high alert and conduct thorough audits on their jet A1 fuel suppliers.
This concern has emerged due to the revelation that a significant number of oil marketers operating within the nation’s airports lack proper licensing from the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).
This situation has persisted for some time and recently came into the spotlight following the discovery of water in the engine of a Max Air Boeing B737 aircraft type. Subsequently, the NCAA suspended Max Air’s operations.
Reports from Aviation World indicate that the NCAA has recently uncovered unapproved marketers providing petroleum products to several airlines across the nation.
A confidential source from within the aviation sector revealed to Aviation World that the authority identified three oil companies that supplied jet A1 fuel to Max Air during their investigation.
Responding to the situation, Osita Okonkwo, the Chief Operating Officer of United Nigeria Airlines (UNA), urged airlines to exercise vigilance to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
During the League of Airport and Aviation Correspondents (LAAC) conference, Okonkwo emphasized that while the incident is concerning, it’s an isolated occurrence rather than a widespread issue within the sector.
He stated that the incident could have arisen from the operator or from the oil marketing side claiming that it’s an isolated event and not indicative of the broader industry.
He affirmed that in their two years of operation, they have never encountered such an incident. “We believe that the necessary parties—the NCAA, operators, fuel suppliers, and NNPC—are working to prevent its recurrence.”
Okonkwo highlighted the importance of maintaining vigilance and adhering to standard operating procedures.
He stressed that both operators and fuel suppliers must conduct thorough pre-flight checks and adhere to proper protocols before fuel is loaded onto aircraft.
Additionally, the National Association of Aircraft Pilots and Engineers (NAAPE) expressed their concern over the increasing adulteration of aviation fuel.
In a communique following their meetings, the association highlighted the grave safety consequences associated with such practices.