The management of Quorum Aviation Limited and operator of the crashed helicopter, yesterday, denied claims that the ill-fated aircraft has no valid clearance to operate or insurance cover.
The company said that while its safety records were not in doubt, it was ideal for the public to await the outcome of an investigation by the Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB).
The management, headed by Lukman Lawal, said it was compelled to make few clarifications regarding the unfortunate helicopter accident.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Quorum Aviation Limited is a responsible corporate entity that adheres to and complies with all the rules and regulations pertaining to the aviation industry as laid out in the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (NCAR).
“The company has all the requisite certificates and approvals obtained through a very rigorous process, including inter alia an Air Operator Certificate (AOC), Certificate of Airworthiness (COA), and Insurance. All our certificates and approvals are current and valid as issued by the authorities following due process.
“During this difficult time, we crave the indulgence of the media to refrain from conjecture and speculation, and to choose instead to await the outcome of the AIB investigation into the cause of the mishap,” the statement read in part.
The Quorum Aviation Bell 206 helicopter, which crashed in Lagos on Friday, flew in from Port Harcourt to position itself for prospective hire and reward otherwise known as charter.
The chopper was flown by the late Captain Chika Prudence Ernest. The Flight Engineer was Clement Ndiok. On board with the duo was Macaulay Brownson, an aircraft fitter.
The six-seater chopper was one of the aircraft in the fleet of Quorum Aviation Limited owned by Mr Abiola Lawal.
Quorum Aviation Limited (QAL) is an Aviation and Logistics air transportation company. The company operates both Rotary (Helicopters) and Fixed Wing.
Lawal, aka Mr Boku, runs an integrated travel and destination management company.
Quorum Aviation was incorporated in 2011 as an indigenous Aviation Logistics company. The company was set up to pursue opportunities in the Rotary business primarily for oil and gas clients as well as VIP charter services.
The company was awarded the Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) in 2018 to engage in commercial Aviation services.