Bizav Operations Encounter More Scrutiny in Singapore

Aircraft operators heading to Singapore are facing more scrutiny in the wake of recently enacted regulations. A restriction in place since January requires non-local operators to hold a foreign operator’s permit (FOP) issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore in addition to the previously required air operator certificate (AOC), aerial work certificate, or similar authorization from another country.

According to NBAA, the measure is intended to counter the threat of illegal aircraft charter operations in the region, and operators are reporting increased ramp checks to ensure compliance with the new regulation.

The regulation applies to any aircraft involved in commercial air transport operations, including passenger, medevac, cargo, positioning, and technical stop flights, and operating under a foreign AOC or similar authorization. Operators of such aircraft must obtain an FOP before conducting flights to or within Singapore.

That also includes non-commercial/private flights conducted by foreign AOC holders, if the aircraft is listed on their AOC operations specifications. Penalties for noncompliance range from about 8,000 to 15,000 USD.

“From our experience, the entire process, from registering the new company to issuance of the FOP, typically may take approximately four to eight weeks for approval, subject to submission of complete and compliant documentation,” said Julie Ambrose, managing director of The ASA Group and vice chair of NBAA’s international operators committee. “However, the actual approval period remains at the discretion of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, and early planning and thorough document readiness are essential to help minimize potential operational delays.”