New AOC online registry will improve safety, reduce airline costs and delays

A new online registry for air operator certificate (AOC) information will be launched by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) on 1 December, delivering improved aviation safety and reduced airline costs.

Representing an electronic flight bag concept and replacing information currently only available in paper format on board aircraft, the new ICAO tool will provide more efficient updating, environmental and cost benefits due to reductions in paper usage and aircraft weight, and faster access by inspectors to relevant safety data.

The improved inspector access is expected to result in quicker turnaround times for airlines and improved passenger service. The project required two years of planning and coordination by ICAO, in close cooperation with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Civil Aviation University of China (CAUC), developer of the software.

“We’re very grateful to IATA for helping us identify this issue and come up with a practical, cost-effective solution for States and operators,” highlighted ICAO Air Navigation Bureau Director, Nancy Graham. “The resources and expertise of the Civil Aviation University of China were similarly invaluable to the delivery of the new AOC registry and we look forward to seeing this initial launch phase rolled-out across ICAO’s full global community.”

Eleven of ICAO’s 191 Member States will begin the data entry process with the online registry’s launch phase on 1 December. It will be open to the full ICAO membership as of 1 January 2013.

“The AOC registry is an important initiative—it not only reduces airline administrative burdens, but improves the management and accessibility of up-to-date AOC and operational specifications,” stressed Guenther Matschnigg, IATA Senior Vice President, Safety, Operations and Infrastructure. “Prompt implementation of the AOC registry is a significant step in streamlining and harmonizing foreign operator requirements, ultimately enhancing safety and operational efficiency.”

Online AOC registry launch States: Australia; Brazil; Cameroon; Canada; Iceland; Kenya; Nigeria; Republic of Korea; Singapore; South Africa; United Arab Emirates.