Air Operator Certificate
Singapore air operators must hold an Air Operator Certificate to conduct commercial aviation operations.
Last updated 8 May 2026
An Air Operator Certificate (AOC) is an aviation safety instrument that authorises an operator to carry out specified commercial air transport. All Singapore Air Operators must obtain and hold a valid AOC.
Who must apply
Any operator whose principal place of business is in Singapore must hold a Singapore AOC to conduct commercial air transport.
Obtaining a Singapore AOC is one of the requirements for becoming a Singapore Air Operator.
Application process
How to qualify
To obtain a Singapore AOC, operators must meet the requirements in Air Navigation Regulations (ANR) Part 119, Regulations 4 and 5 (opens in new tab).
To operate scheduled and non-scheduled air services for hire/reward, operators must also satisfy the requirements under Air Navigation (Licensing of Air Services) Regulations (opens in new tab), and apply for the necessary licences and permits.
When to apply
Apply for a Singapore AOC at least 6 months before you intend to start operations as a Singapore Air Operator.
What are the fees
The fees payable, e.g. application and oversight fees, are stated in the Air Navigation Regulations Part 119, Second Schedule (opens in new tab).
What is the processing time
As AOC certification is a complex process, apply well in advance – no less than 6 months – before your intended start of operations.
Processing time depends on:
the scope of your operations
the resources you can commit
how quickly you show compliance with regulatory requirements such as those listed below:
number and type of aircraft proposed for entry into service
operations specifications and destinations for initial approval
ability to show an appropriate organisational structure
method of operational control
supervision of flight operations
training programme
maintenance arrangements
How to apply
For guidance on the application process, refer to AC 119-1-1 Guidance on the application for a Singapore AOC (Rev 1) (opens in new tab).
Phase 1: Pre-application
Meet with us before applying.
Share your business model and intended operations with us so that we can assess together your suitability for a Singapore AOC.
If you are assessed to be suitable, complete CAAS-ANR119-1-01 Application for the initial issue of Air Operator Certificate (AOC) (opens in new tab) to proceed to Phase 2.
Additionally, follow AC 119-1-2 Guidance on Entry into Service (EIS) of aircraft/engine (opens in new tab) to introduce any of the following:
new aircraft type
new engine type
variant into your operation
Phase 2: Formal application
Submit the CAAS-ANR119-1-01 Application for the initial issue of Air Operator Certificate (AOC) (opens in new tab) with the required fees.
Ensure that the contents of your application and your Operations Manual are organised in the structure spelt out in the:
Submit the following forms to confirm your compliance to the structure, format and contents of the Operations Manual, as well as the flight safety documentation system under the ANR:
Note: In this phase, we will meet with you to discuss the plans and proposed aircraft types, operations, management structure, flight/ground crew structures, training, premises, equipment, critical timelines, etc.
Phase 3: Document evaluation
CAAS conducts a thorough evaluation of your manuals, documents and attachments submitted.
During this phase, CAAS may request clarifications and amendments to your documents.
Phase 4: Demonstration and inspection
CAAS arranges a time for you to show that you have the ability to comply with regulations and safe operating practices.
As part of this process, you conduct proving flights (test runs with CAAS oversight) to show that you have the following in place:
organisational structure
method of control and supervision of flights
training
ground handling
aircraft maintenance
Phase 5: Certification
CAAS issues the AOC with operations specifications when Phase 1-4 are completed satisfactorily.
After certification, CAAS conducts regular inspections to ensure AOC holders continue to meet safety and regulatory standards.
Application for AOC
To apply, contact CAAS. An officer will be assigned to guide you through the application process.
What is the validity period
An AOC remains in force for the period stated on the certificate, unless shortened, suspended or revoked.
Legislation, regulations and resources
Air Navigation (91 — General Operating Rules) Regulations 2018 (opens in new tab)
Air Navigation (119 — Air Operator Certification) Regulations 2018 (opens in new tab)
Air Navigation (Licensing of Air Services) Regulations (opens in new tab)
AC 119-1-1 Guidance on the application for a Singapore AOC (Rev 1) (opens in new tab)
AC 119-1-2 Guidance on Entry into Service (EIS) of aircraft/engine (opens in new tab)
AC 119-2-1(Rev 1) Guidance on AOC certification requirements (opens in new tab)
AC 119-2-2 Safety Management System (SMS) (opens in new tab)
AC 119-2-3 Implementation of flight data analysis programme (opens in new tab)
AC 119-2-4 Implementing an AOC holder’s SMS (opens in new tab)
AC 119-3-1(Rev 1) Guidance on AOC operating requirements (opens in new tab)
AC 121-12-2 Operations manual for operations under ANR-121 (opens in new tab)
Contact information
Flight Standards Division
Contact us using the Enquiries & Feedback Form (opens in new tab).