The UAE introduced the 'Golden Package' for pilots, private aircraft owners, and business aviation service providers on Wednesday. Announced by the General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), the new initiatives include the removal of age limits for aircraft registration, provided regulatory standards are met. The package also offers Registration Code Personalisation, allowing owners to choose a registration code from a list, customising their aircraft registration with a unique touch.
Additionally, the GCAA’s updated regulations allow the hiring of independent flight crews, freelancers, or part-time professionals, enabling private operators to adapt to changing needs while maintaining compliance and efficiency. A 'one-stop shop' solution has been introduced for streamlined asset ownership and registration processes, as well as seamless transfers between UAE entities, ensuring operational continuity.
The 'Golden Package' eliminates the need for pilots’ exams during validation and enables the transfer of foreign licenses within three days. Local license adoption eliminates the requirement for operators to travel abroad for verification, enhancing efficiency. A notable feature is the ability for aircraft owners to independently manage and operate their aircraft, reducing registration costs and offering greater flexibility.
Furthermore, the package grants 100% ownership rights to airline operators or aircraft owners, removing the need for local partnerships. Operators can now operate under a commercial license from a UAE free zone and commence activities with a single aircraft, a significant change from the previous requirement of a minimum of two aircraft.
Eng. Aqeel Al Zarouni, assistant director-general for aviation safety affairs at the GCAA, highlighted that the package includes the review and development of over 24 services related to private aircraft operations and registration. The time to issue an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) has been reduced from two years to a maximum of 60 to 90 days. Al Zarouni also announced the establishment of the Business Aviation Advisory Council to address challenges and promote the growth of general aviation in the UAE.
A 'one-stop shop' and a 'Dedicated Ambassador' have been introduced as single points of contact for private jet owners and firms, simplifying administrative tasks and enhancing user experience. Al Zarouni expressed optimism about the private aviation sector, aiming to double or triple the current number of 87 private aircraft in operation within a short timeframe.
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