Scheduled Operating Permits

Thank you for your interest in operating into the Cayman Islands. Please note that all air transport operations into the Cayman Islands are subject to regulation under the UK’s Air Navigation (Overseas Territories) Order, AN(OT)O 2013 and as amended and updated from time to time. In particular Article 135 which provides that all foreign registered aircraft operating into the territory for valuable consideration be licensed to do so by the UK Secretary of State. This authorization has been delegated (as of September 2004) to the Governor and thereby to the Director-General of Civil Aviation for the Cayman Islands.

As such, it is vital that all aircraft operating into the territory for this purpose meets the rigid and strict safety standards and economic licensing standards to ensure the utmost in safety for the general public being transported on these flights.

I would also like to bring to your attention that Article 64 (4) of the UK’s Air Navigation (Overseas Territories) Order [AN(OT)O] which was amended on 7th January 2009 and which stipulates “(4) No person shall hold himself or any other person out as being a person who may offer flights on an aircraft registered in the Territory for the purpose of commercial air transport unless he or (as the case may be) that other person holds a valid air operator’s certificate granted under this article.”

AND

Article 135 of the UK’s Air Navigation (Overseas Territories) Order [AN(OT)O] now also provides that no operator or charterer of an aircraft to which this article applies (foreign registered aircraft) shall hold himself out as a person who may offer to take on board or discharge any passenger or cargo in the Territory for valuable consideration unless:

  • he does so in accordance with the permission granted under this article; and
  • he does so in accordance with any conditions to which such permission may be subject.

As such no person or company may sell tickets for flight unless the aircraft/tour operator is holding an operating permit issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Cayman Islands granting them permission to operate such air transport operations.

Required Documents

All documents must be provided in English or be accompanied by a notarised translation.

  • Designation note/letter issued by the government designating the airline (US charterers are not required to be designated for services to UK overseas territories)
  • Air Operating Certificate
  • Certificate of Insurance
  • Certificate of Airworthiness
  • Certificate of Registration
  • Noise Certificate
  • Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity issued by the US Department of Transportation (US scheduled passenger services only).
  • A statement that there are no dangerous goods, weapons or munitions of war being carried on the flight(s). If dangerous goods are being carried the airline operator must provide confirmation that it has an “exemption” issued by the CAA.
  • A statement from its Flight Operations Department that the airline is aware of the requirements of Article 105 of the Air Navigation (Overseas Territories) Order 2013 (Aerodrome Operating Minima). Additionally, the airline should ensure that its Aerodrome Operating Minima has been filed with the relevant DCA.

Note: Certified copies of original documents may be required.

Wet or Dry Lease

If the aircraft are wet or dry leased, the following is required:

  • Contact details (name, address, telephone, fax, telex) of the lessor airline
  • Copy of the lease agreement
  • Confirmation from the lessor airline of which of the airlines’ operations and flight manuals will be used (so that it is known for legal purposes which airline will be the “operator” of the aircraft)
  • A statement that the aircraft are fitted with Airborne Collision Avoidance System (ACAS) ii version 7
  • A statement that the aircraft comply with the FM Immunity Requirements in paragraph 3.1.4 of Vol.1 of Annex 10 to the Chicago Convention
  • A copy of the Operations Specifications pages showing the relevant approved management structure, the aircraft covered in the relevant AOC and the type of air transport operations aircraft being used

Note: Certified copies of original documents may be required.

Contact Info

Civil Aviation Authority of the Cayman Islands

205 Owen Roberts Drive 
P.O. Box 10277
Grand Cayman KY1-1003
Cayman Islands
Ph: 345-949-7811 
permits@caacayman.com
 
caacayman.com