A Pivotal Achievement for AirExplore
AirExplore, under the umbrella of Avia Solutions Group, is Slovakia’s leading airline and a prominent global ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) service provider. The airline’s recent acquisition of conditional approval from the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) represents a significant stride in its expansion strategy. This Foreign Air Carrier Permit (FACP) is a fundamental requirement for any non-U.S. airline wishing to operate within the United States, encompassing both passenger and cargo services.
Understanding the Regulatory Landscape
The U.S. aviation regulatory framework is complex, involving multiple stakeholders and stringent requirements. To receive the FACP, AirExplore had to demonstrate its operational capabilities in line with Part 129 of the Federal Aviation Regulations. These regulations ensure that foreign airlines operate within the safety and operational standards that are on par with U.S. carriers.
Moreover, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) plays a crucial role through its International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) program. This program evaluates the oversight authority of the country where the airline is registered, which is a critical factor in the regulatory process. Slovakia, where AirExplore is based, is currently not categorized as a category 1 country, which denotes the highest level of aviation safety standards as per the FAA’s classification.
The Strategic Importance of the FACP
The FACP essentially serves as a commercial license allowing AirExplore to operate flights to, from, or within the U.S. under its own callsign and with its own aircraft, as long as it adheres to the FAA’s Part 129 operations specifications. The process of obtaining the FACP can take anywhere from a few weeks to three months, depending on various factors including the readiness and compliance of the airline with FAA standards.
Collaborative Efforts and Future Prospects
Currently, due to Slovakia’s non-category 1 status, AirExplore must partner with an airline that holds an FAA Part 129 operations license from a category 1 country. This collaboration is essential for AirExplore to commence its U.S. operations. However, the company is actively lobbying Slovak authorities to expedite the IASA audit process, which could elevate Slovakia to category 1 status and simplify future operations.
With its recent IATA IOSA certification and operations under an EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) environment, AirExplore aligns with the highest international safety standards. Approval for U.S. operations would not only affirm its compliance but also enhance its service capabilities, allowing it to leverage its expanded aircraft fleet to serve a broader customer base, including the lucrative North American market.