An Air Operator Certificate is a legal approval (certification) from the regulatory body that enables the commercial operation of aircraft for hire and reward. This certificate will be provided under a specific Civil Aviation Rule Part, depending on the aircraft type and size. Without an AOC, aircraft can only be operated for private use (“Part 91”), i.e. non-revenue operations.

This is a prerequisite to enable your aircraft to be used for commercial operations, such as corporate charter.

Additional utilisation from commercial operations not only provides an income stream to mitigate ownership costs, but also increases flight hours, enhancing productivity of both aircraft and crew. This is important, as aircraft require a minimum number of flying hours to maintain their airworthiness status. Similarly, pilots require a certain amount of flying to maintain their operational competency and currency.

Obtaining an Air Operator’s Certificate is a costly and time-consuming process. Not only is extensive aviation knowledge required to compile the required exposition documents (extensive set of manuals and operational documentation and procedures), but also a large amount of time and regulatory expertise is needed to achieve this certification.

Additionally, any application for the issue of a new Air Operator’s Certificate is subject to a long approval process by the New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority (CAANZ) requiring a significant investment of time to liaise with CAA personnel.

A major consideration is that a requirement of holding an Air Operator’s Certificate is to have CAANZ-approved ‘Senior People’, holding key managerial oversight roles - these include CEO, Operations Manager/Chief Pilot, Check & Training Manager, Airworthiness Controller and Safety Systems Manager. These individuals would need to be employed or contracted by the applicant and have adequate industry experience and qualifications to pass Senior Person interviews to satisfy CAANZ. This adds further cost and time to the application (as well as ongoing administration) of an Air Operator’s Certificate.

A much more cost-effective and efficient way to achieve this is by adding your aircraft onto an existing Air Operator’s Certificate, such as the one held by AIR OPS.

AIR OPS primarily works with owners of corporate aircraft suitable for charter in New Zealand. Our expertise extends to providing comprehensive advice and operational support for a wide range of aviation operations, both domestically and further afield as required, with experience throughout Australasia (Australia, Pacific and Southeast Asia).

Yes, absolutely. Once your aircraft is established and ready for commercial charter through our Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC), we can connect you with an appropriate charter broker to help you secure commercial work.

Utilising your private aircraft for commercial charter allows you to generate revenue, which can significantly mitigate ownership and operational expenses.

This enables an enhanced, financially viable ownership model, at the same time ensuring your aircraft remains fully available for your personal use when not engaged in commercial operations.

Yes, our team provides expert guidance on aircraft acquisition. We advise on the suitability of aircraft types, considering your specific purpose, market position and potential utilisation; with consideration as to whether it’s for private use, commercial charter, passenger transport or a combination.

Yes, we provide comprehensive support throughout the aircraft acquisition process. This includes assisting with sourcing the right aircraft and coordinating all necessary transport arrangements for its import into New Zealand.

Depending on the aircraft type, international crew simulator training may be necessary. This is something we can arrange and have the experience to manage on your behalf.

Yes, we offer the full-spectrum of operational management and talent acquisition services.

This includes sourcing professional crewing, advising on maintenance best practices, overseeing flight operations and coordinating ongoing training, ensuring your aircraft operates safely and efficiently.

Our uniqueness lies in our deep, owner-centric understanding of aviation operations. We are a small, personal team of highly regarded industry professionals in New Zealand, committed to transparent operations and integrity.

We pride ourselves on offering bespoke solutions – from concept to ongoing maintenance – and genuinely welcome unique challenges, as we've "been there and done that" ourselves.