Starting a Commercial Airline or Business Aviation Operator in EASA Member States

© Skylift Aviation GmbH

Comprehensive Support for Business Operators and Airlines

Establishing a commercial air transport operation in an EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) Member State involves navigating a complex landscape of regulatory requirements, operational planning, and resource management. From ensuring regulatory compliance to setting up robust operational systems, various critical steps must be taken to achieve a safe, efficient, and successful operation. Skylift Aviation GmbH, a leader in aviation consulting and training, offers comprehensive support to guide clients through every phase of this process.

What is Needed to Start a Commercial Airline in EASA Member States?

Setting up a commercial air transport operation in an EASA Member State requires a strong foundation of expertise, resources, and diligent attention to all regulatory and operational requirements. The primary steps and essentials include:

1. Creation of an Operations Manual (OM Parts A-D): A comprehensive operations manual is vital for safe and compliant operations, detailing procedures, protocols, and emergency responses. Skylift Aviation GmbH assists in drafting the necessary Operations Manuals (OM Parts A-D), ensuring compliance with all EASA regulatory standards and keeping them up-to-date as regulations evolve.

2. Compliance with EASA Requirements (CAT with SPA): Adherence to EASA regulations is mandatory for all commercial air transport (CAT) operations, and some may require specific approvals (SPA) for specialized activities. Skylift Aviation GmbH ensures that all applicable regulations are met, allowing your company to operate safely and in full compliance with European standards.

   
   

3. Acquisition of Aircraft and Equipment: Selecting and acquiring the right aircraft and equipment is essential for establishing a successful commercial air transport operation. Skylift Aviation GmbH, with its extensive network and industry expertise, provides support in sourcing, purchasing, and registering aircraft, ensuring they meet all technical and regulatory requirements for commercial air transport.

   
   

4. Hiring and Training Qualified Personnel: Selecting and training qualified personnel—including pilots, cabin crew, and ground staff—is key to operational success. Skylift Aviation offers tailored training programs to ensure that personnel receive all required certifications and are fully prepared to operate according to EASA standards in a commercial environment.

   
   

5. Implementation of Operational and Safety Systems: Commercial air transport operations require robust systems, such as Safety Management Systems (SMS) and Compliance Management Systems (CMS), to ensure reliable and secure operations. Skylift Aviation provides expertise in implementing and integrating these systems, customized to meet the specific needs of your organization.

   
   

Consulting and Support Services from Skylift Aviation GmbH

Skylift Aviation GmbH offers a wide range of consulting services that cover both technical and strategic aspects of establishing a commercial air transport operation, including:

• Regulatory Affairs Assistance: Navigating the approval processes with national and international aviation authorities can be complex and time-consuming. Skylift Aviation GmbH handles coordination and communication with relevant authorities, ensuring a smooth process for obtaining all necessary operational approvals for commercial air transport.

  
  

• Development of Business Plans and Market Analysis: A well-developed business plan and thorough market analysis are essential for a successful commercial air transport operation. Skylift Aviation creates customized business plans that effectively address market opportunities and challenges, setting your company up for long-term growth.

  
  

• Support with Legal Disputes and Mediation: In a highly regulated sector like aviation, legal disputes and mediation needs may arise. Skylift Aviation GmbH provides guidance and assistance in managing legal challenges, from regulatory issues to internal mediation.

  
  

• Consulting on Location Selection: Choosing the right operational base can significantly influence operational efficiency and market access. Skylift Aviation offers guidance on finding and evaluating suitable locations across EASA Member States, considering all operational, regulatory, and logistical factors.

With Skylift Aviation GmbH as your partner, starting a commercial air transport operation for an airline or business operator in an EASA Member State becomes a structured and manageable endeavour. Our industry expertise and extensive network of professionals provide the support you need to achieve your regulatory, operational, and business goals. From creating essential documentation to training personnel and navigating legal and regulatory requirements, Skylift Aviation GmbH guides you through every step of establishing your operation, ensuring a safe and successful start.

ABOUT

Skylift Aviation GmbH was founded in 2016 in Vienna, Austria, and has extensive experience in all business challenges of the aviation sector. The Skylift Aviation team comprises highly motivated and experienced experts in all relevant disciplines. Our large network of partners ensures outstanding service quality in almost all areas of aviation. With our extensive experience in the aviation industry, we help our clients maximise the value of their operating model, realise growth ambitions, and gain insights that lead to sustainable competitive advantage.