Dubai: On the sidelines of MEBAA 2024, the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) announced the launch of its Golden Package for registering and operating private and business aircraft.
The initiative, introduced by Aqeel Al Zarouni, Assistant Director-General for Aviation Safety Affairs, aims to simplify complex aviation processes while fostering flexibility and innovation.
It includes a comprehensive review of over 24 services related to private aircraft operations and registration. Notably, the time required to issue an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) has been slashed from two years to just 90 days, while Air Operating Authorizations (AOA) can now be obtained in 60 days.
Saif Mohammed Al Suwaidi, Director-General of the GCAA, highlighted that, “These efforts align with our vision to cement the UAE’s leadership in aviation and air transport.”
Al Suwaidi pointed to the rapid expansion of the private aviation sector, driven by factors such as rising personal wealth, evolving business travel needs, and growing demand for luxury travel experiences.
Key Features of the Golden Package
The Golden Package introduces several industry-first initiatives, including:
- Establishing a Business Aviation Advisory Council.
- Creating a “One-Stop Shop” for all aviation-related processes.
- Offering personalized aircraft registration codes.
- Allowing independent aircraft management with reduced operational costs.
Other measures include granting 100 percent ownership rights to operators, removing the requirement for local partnerships, and enabling operations with just one aircraft.
Additionally, the package offers greater flexibility by removing age restrictions on aircraft registration, simplifying maintenance processes, and expediting pilot license validation.
The GCAA emphasized that the Golden Package was developed after extensive regional and international consultations to ensure it aligns with the UAE’s standards for safety and operational excellence.