ACASS Canada (Montréal Trudeau) is planning to leverage its multiple global AOCs for growth but will avoid rapid expansion in order to maintain its flexibility and high level of customer service.

"We are at the smaller end of the spectrum among operators," VP for Aircraft Management and Charter Sales Claudio Peer said in an interview with ch-aviation at EBACE in Geneva. "We aim to grow, but very cautiously, to avoid any negative impacts on our customers. Our focus is on expanding worldwide, particularly in the EMEA region and later in Asia, especially Southeast Asia. However, we remain extremely careful to ensure we continue to meet the needs of our current customers."

The Canadian business aviation services provider does not own any of the aircraft it operates, but those placed on commercial registers can be made available for charter at owners' discretion. Peer emphasised that its full-service offering allows customers to choose the services they require. They can opt for single transactions, such as partnering with ACASS to buy or sell an aircraft, or leverage support services that include short-term or long-term aircraft management, flight crew staffing, and charter.

Regarding aircraft registration, ACASS offers capabilities in the USA, Canada, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Isle of Man, San Marino, and Ireland.

Growth through multiple AOCs

The company regards its three commercial AOCs (in Canada, ACASS Ireland, and San Marino's ACASS Europe) as a competitive advantage. Peer highlighted San Marino as a flexible jurisdiction that permits aircraft operations for both commercial and private purposes. He commended the local regulator for what he called its flexibility, openness, and efficient decision-making processes. In contrast to larger registries managing extensive commercial airline operations, smaller jurisdictions like San Marino are more agile and responsive, he said, particularly in handling rapid changes like inducting new aircraft.

ACASS secured the Irish AOC in 2020, anticipating the effects of Brexit on aircraft operation regulations in the United Kingdom. "For non-UK operators, basing an aircraft in the UK and performing domestic cabotage flights became problematic. However, due to longstanding bilateral agreements, the UK CAA consistently permitted Irish-registered aircraft to be based and operated within the UK," Peer explained.

He acknowledged that operations in Europe are inherently complex due to numerous small jurisdictions across the continent. While many aircraft operations and safety rules are harmonised, disparities remain in tax laws and asset ownership regulations. ACASS leverages its expertise to guide customers in optimising aircraft ownership and operations, enhancing efficiency, and maintaining asset value in this varied regulatory landscape.

Given ACASS's efforts to maintain its customers' aircraft value, the company has registered them in well-regulated jurisdictions. Peer noted that, historically, some smaller jurisdictions had standards that differed from larger countries, causing issues during aircraft sales or transfers. Today, the likes of San Marino, the Isle of Man, Aruba, and the Cayman Islands are fully aligned with European rules, ensuring aircraft maintenance standards equivalent to those in EASA countries. This minimises compliance issues post-sale or transfer, he said.

Currently, ACASS operates four aircraft - available for charter - on the Canadian C- register (two Challenger 604s, one Challenger 605, and one Citation X) and three charter aircraft on the Irish EJ- registry (a Global XRS, a Citation XLS+, and a Gulfstream G450). The remainder of the group's fleet is registered in various other locales, including the Isle of Man, the Cayman Islands, San Marino, and the United States.

Workforce and supply chain challenges

Peer agreed with prevailing industry sentiment which highlighted supply chain constraints as a persistent challenge for business aircraft operators. He emphasised that while this sector has thus far avoided the severe engine issues plaguing commercial airlines, it still faces difficulties in sourcing spare parts, regardless of aircraft type.

Additionally, he highlighted concerns over workforce availability in business aviation, noting that many pilots are migrating to commercial aviation. To address this, companies like ACASS are forming partnerships with universities and high schools to cultivate a steady influx of new talent into the industry.