Business

GCAA unveils ground-breaking "Golden Package" for business aviation at MEBAA 2024

11 Dec 2024 17:21

DUBAI (ALETIHAD)

On the side-lines of MEBAA 2024, the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) announced the launch of its transformative Golden Package for Registering and Operating Private and Business Aircraft.

The initiative, presented by Eng. Aqeel Al Zarouni, Assistant Director General for Aviation Safety Affairs, introduces innovative measures to streamline processes, enhance flexibility, and reinforce the UAE’s position as a global hub for aviation excellence.

"Golden Package for Registering and Operating Private and Business Aircraft"

The Golden Package is an innovative suite of facilitation measures meticulously designed for private and business aircraft operations. This ground-breaking initiative simplifies complex processes, boosts operational flexibility, and solidifies the UAE’s reputation as a global hub for aviation excellence.

The GCAA clarified that the package includes reviewing and developing over 24 services related to the operations and registration of private aircraft in the country, reducing the time to issue an Air Operator Certificate from two years to a maximum of 60 to 90 days.

The GCAA emphasised that the Golden Package includes the comprehensive review and enhancement of over 24 services related to operating and registering private aircraft within the UAE. A key highlight of this initiative is the significant reduction in the time required to issue an Air Operator Certificate (AOC), which has been streamlined from two years to just 90 days. Complementing this, introducing the Air Operating Authorization (AOA) allows operators to complete the process in as little as 60 days. These transformative measures demonstrate the authority’s unwavering commitment to operational efficiency and enhanced satisfaction for aircraft owners and operators.

His Excellency Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director General of the GCAA, emphasised the authority's collaborative efforts with federal and local government entities, alongside private sector partners, to review and enhance all government services within the civil aviation sector. These efforts align with the UAE’s vision of solidifying its position as a global leader in aviation and air transport.

Al Suwaidi noted that the private aviation sector has experienced significant global growth in recent years, driven by factors such as increasing personal wealth, evolving business travel requirements, and a rising demand for luxury travel experiences. He highlighted that the UAE, with its strategic geographical location and world-class infrastructure, stands as a prime destination to attract and nurture this burgeoning market, offering unparalleled opportunities for growth and prosperity.

He further elaborated on the Golden Package for Private Aircraft and Business Aviation Registration, which encompasses a thorough review of all procedures related to air operations and aircraft registration. This initiative is designed to launch a new growth phase for the private aviation sector, providing streamlined processes, enhanced flexibility, and a robust foundation for sustainable development.

During the press conference, Engineer Aqeel Al Zarooni, Assistant Director General for Aviation Safety Affairs at the GCAA, presented the measures included in the facilitation package, which focuses on introducing new "golden" services for private aircraft owners. These include the Business Aviation Advisory Council, a council established by the General Civil Aviation Authority, which serves as a platform to address challenges, streamline processes, and promote the growth of general aviation within the UAE. The concept of the "One-Stop Shop" was also developed, which consolidates all procedures in one location, along with the Dedicated Ambassador, a single point of contact for seamless support. Additionally, private aircraft owners can now choose a unique registration code for their aircraft with the Registration Code Personalization.

During the press conference, Engineer Aqeel Al Zarouni, Assistant Director General for Aviation Safety Affairs Sector at the GCAA, outlined the innovative measures included in the Golden Package, emphasising its transformative impact on private aviation. A key feature of the initiative is the establishment of the Business Aviation Advisory Council, a platform created to address challenges, streamline processes, and promote the growth of general aviation in the UAE. This council fosters collaboration among key stakeholders, ensuring the sector's sustainable and dynamic development.

He also highlighted the introduction of developing a centralised Platform, "One-Stop Shop", that unifies all processes related to Air Operator Certificates (AOC) and Air Operating Authorizations (AOA). This platform aims to simplify administrative tasks, boost efficiency, and deliver a seamless, user-friendly experience for operators and aircraft owners.

Furthermore, the package includes Registration Code Personalization, allowing aircraft owners to select a registration code from an available list, tailoring their aircraft registration, and adding a bespoke touch to their fleet.

The review of private aircraft operations procedures focused on four critical areas: issuing the Air Operator Certificate (AOC), aircraft registration, requirements for the Continuing Airworthiness Management Organization (CAMO) and maintenance operations, and flight crew licensing.

A key highlight of this review is the development of the Air Operating Authorization (AOA), the latest initiative that enables aircraft owners to independently manage and operate their aircraft without reliance on an operator. This innovation significantly reduces registration costs for private aircraft and offers owners enhanced flexibility and diverse operational options, aligning with modern aviation needs and industry growth.

Eng. Al Zarouni further emphasised additional transformative facilitations introduced by the GCAA. These include granting 100% ownership rights for airline operators or aircraft owners, eliminating the need for local partnerships, and the option to operate under a commercial license from a UAE free zone, as well as allowing operators to commence activities with just one aircraft, a significant shift from the previous requirement of a minimum of two aircraft.

Furthermore, the framework enhances operational flexibility by permitting the hiring of independent flight crews, freelancers, or part-time professionals, ensuring operators can dynamically adapt to their evolving needs while maintaining high standards of compliance and efficiency.

The facilitation package also introduces remarkable advancements to simplify private aircraft registration and operations within the UAE. Key highlights include:

- No Age Limit: Flexibility to register aircraft of any age, subject to compliance with regulatory standards.

- Streamlined Transfers: Quick ownership and registration processes and seamless transfers between UAE entities, ensuring operational continuity.

- Maintenance Enhancements: Access to maintenance-related facilities and a streamlined Airworthiness Review Certificate (ARC) process, reducing downtime and administrative complexity.

- License Validation Simplification: The package eliminates the requirement for pilots' exams during validation and enables the transfer of foreign licenses within three days. Additionally, adopting local licenses removes the need for operators to travel abroad for license verification, further enhancing efficiency.

Eng. Al Zarouni stated that the development of this comprehensive facilitation package resulted from extensive studies and benchmarking both regionally and internationally. Additionally, it involved in-depth consultations with stakeholders, including private aircraft owners. This collaborative approach ensures that the measures strike the right balance between simplifying procedures and maintaining the UAE’s renowned standards of security, safety, and operational excellence in civil aviation.