Luxaviation Group's Portuguese entity has become the first business aviation operation to come under the safety oversight of EASA, in a first step towards obtaining EASA regulatory supervision for all of Luxaviation's European group businesses.

The European AOC overseen by EASA represents a change for the entire aviation sector as it reduces operational costs for operators and paves the way for increased competitiveness of the European market.

As a worldwide operator, Luxaviation Group currently manages 235 aircraft and 35 helicopters under the regulatory umbrella of 15 AOCs, of which nine are provided through European regulators. The EU Basic Regulation 2018/1139 which was introduced in 2018 provides operators in the Luxaviation Group with the opportunity to report to a single competent authority, responsible for safety oversight and certification.

Group CEO Patrick Hansen says: “We have been working closely with EASA in order to achieve a single AOC similar to the American FAA. Today we are particularly proud to take a part in this historical moment for European aviation and to start operating under an EASA AOC, which we are confident to apply to all European operating entities of the group in the future.

“At a time where European solidarity is gaining even more importance, this step to unify our skies under one European authority is key for further success. It has been a natural step for us to drive this initiative of the European Union, and we will be supporting this programme as one of the first companies to do so. The size of our fleet and the experience across most European countries will give valuable insight in developing this programme even further. Ever the innovative spirit, we believe in binge a trailblazer for the entire European aviation industry. Our Portuguese AOC is just the beginning; others will follow.”

Patrick Ky, executive director, EASA, adds: “We are pleased to have issued to Luxaviation the first European AOC for a business aircraft operator. This is an important step for European aviation, and we are happy to continue working with Luxaviation to help it streamline its operations and maintain the highest levels of safety.”

The 2018/1139 Regulation will support Luxaviation passenger confidence in safe civil aviation, technical and operational interoperability and additional sharing of administrative best practices. The EASA AOC is valid and recognised throughout the European Union, without any additional requirements. Luxaviation Group's Portuguese entity will operate under the EASA AOC as of 13 October 2020.