New Operating Licences

Among the measures required of the FSA in order for it to grant air operator certificates and operating licences for new airlines is the inspection of the operational and quality manuals of these organizations, the initial operational inspection as well as providing the requisite approvals for the granting of JAR air operator certificates and operating licences.

In addition, licences require the approval of the applicants’ maintenance systems and maintenance manuals. In the event that permits are granted to new commercial airlines this significantly adds to the amount of aviation operation inspections, inspection flights and route inspection flights. The entire inspection and licensing process must be carried out precisely, equitably, and in accordance with JAA approved procedures. To ensure equitable treatment, both new applicants and old established firms must meet the same requirements.

In 2003 licences were made ready for two new heavy air traffic operators within their desired timetables. The FSA was able to handle the work of inspecting the organizations and manuals even though the companies only completed their final reports and manuals two days before their operations were scheduled to begin. Two other applicants postponed their dates and submitted their applications so late that the inspection work was carried out and the licences granted only at the end of the year.