In most cases not a good way.
It is occasionally heard that Air Operator Certificates (AOCs), the authorization to carry out commercial air transport, are traded. We can only advise against buying an AOC unless it is not the AOC that is the focus of the acquisition, but the company holding the AOC, holding special traffic rights or slots. An AOC is not a tangible asset. Just as its value should not be accounted for in principle, it can not be traded either. Since an AOC can not be separated from the holding company, it is not the AOC but the company that is traded. In addition to the various risks arising from a careless takeover, the AOC itself also generates certain risks. The biggest risk comes from the management personnel, which is directly linked to the AOC. Thus, the takeover must ensure that the legally required management personnel remain in the company and are available to the company to the extent necessary for future tasks. It should also be noted that certain management functions can only be performed on a single AOC. Another risk that should not be underestimated is the quality of the AOC. Starting with the quality and timeliness of the manuals, the qualifications and the experience of the staff, up to the presence and correctness of all documents, according to the legal retention periods. Although an air carrier is under the control of the regulatory authorities, the legal requirements are largely safeguarded within the company. We know from experience that especially smaller operators may have problems with the quality of their operating license. Another risk may come from the scope of the AOC. Under certain circumstances, the AOC is not capable of allowing the intended activities. A non-complex approval will not become a complex one simply because other activities should be included.
Apply instead of buying.
We know from experience that applying for an AOC is safer and often just as fast as taking over an AOC-holding company. In addition, an application is in most cases much cheaper than buying a company. GMP supports you in applying for your Air Operator Certificate or in the conceptual design and foundation of aviation company. (Lern more…)
If purchase, then with professional support.
If you still intend to take over an AOC-holding company, this should be done with professional support. GMP supports you with the evaluation of operators and the quality and expandability of operating licenses. We accompany you through the entire process from the first idea to the completion of the implementation. (Learn more…)
