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Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore

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. 

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, 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.

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). 

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) to proceed to Phase 2. 

Additionally, follow AC 119-1-2 Guidance on Entry into Service (EIS) of aircraft/engine to introduce any of the following: 

  • new aircraft type

  • new engine type

  • variant into your operation 

Phase 2: Formal application

  1. Submit the CAAS-ANR119-1-01 Application for the initial issue of Air Operator Certificate (AOC) with the required fees.

  1. Ensure that the contents of your application and your Operations Manual are organised in the structure spelt out in the:

  2. 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.

Contact CAAS

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

Contact information 

Flight Standards Division 
Contact us using the Enquiries & Feedback Form.