Third country operator certificates

Third Country Operators (UK- Part TCO)

Note that to continue operations to the UK after its exit from the EU a valid TCO must be in place. If you currently hold a UK TCO then that remains in force until further notice and no further action is necessary.

Requirement

UK Part TCO

Commission Regulation (EU) No. 452/2014, requires all Third Country Operators to hold a “Part-TCO”, from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) prior to undertaking any commercial flight within the European Common Aviation Area (ECAA). The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has taken responsibility for administering all “Part-TCOs” in respect of commercial services undertaken within UK territory on the UK’s exit from the EU (a “UK-Part TCO”).

The CAA wishes to ensure that the minimum possible regulatory burden is placed on air carriers in taking on that role. The following streamlined process will therefore be adopted.

1) Air carriers certified outside the EU27 or European Free Trade Area (EFTA)

The UK will continue to recognise any Part-TCO issued EASA for a period of up to two years from the day of the UK’s Exit from the EU, or until that approval is replaced with a UK equivalent. The CAA’s acceptance of an EASA TCO will be dependent upon that approval continuing to be valid for operations within the ECAA for all aircraft that it is intended to operate in the UK.

Note the CAA will not consider any UK Part-TCO applications for operations within UK territory by air carriers certified outside the EU until after the UK’s exit. Details of that process will be published at that time.

2) Air Carriers certified within the EU27 and EFTA only

To ensure service continuity by EU27 and EFTA air carriers after the UK leaves the EU, the CAA will now accept advance applications from such air carriers for UK-Part TCO approvals.

Application Process

If you wish to apply for a UK TCO please email TCO@caa.co.uk for an application form.

Validity

A UK Part-TCO authorisation issued to a EU27, European Economic Area (EEA) or Swiss Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) holder will become valid at the point the UK exits the EU.

Note that in addition to a UK-Part TCO any commercial operations to the UK will also require a Foreign Carrier Permit issued by the CAA – details can be found here.

If you have any queries in relation to the above then please do not hesitate to contact us by email.

List of operators granted full UK-TCO

Refusal of access to United Kingdom Airspace

The UK no longer follows EU Regulations and decisions as of 1 January 2021.

Under the terms of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, the UK will retain in domestic law, the EU Air Safety List Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 2111/2005). The EU Air Safety List will therefore form the basis of the UK’s own Air Safety List and Third Country Operator approval systems of removing and adding air carriers and States for failing to meet internationally agreed safety standards.

The Air Safety List has been established to inform and protect UK citizens wherever they are in the world and act as a deterrent from poor safety performance. Ensuring the safety of air carriers operating to the United Kingdom and encouraging compliance with internationally recognised and agreed safety standards is key to preserving global aviation safety.

States and air carriers wishing to amend or be removed from the UK Air Safety List must demonstrate to the UK’s satisfaction compliance with international safety standards. This is likely to require the provision of evidence, on-site assessments and technical hearings.

A fair and transparent process has been developed which will allow States and air carriers to approach the UK to amend the UK Air Safety List.

• UK Air Safety List