An operator shall not engage in commercial air transport operations unless that operator holds a valid Air Operator Certificate (AOC) issued by the Authority in accordance with the Civil Aviation (Air Operator Certification and Administration) Regulations . AOC shall authorize the operator to conduct commercial air transport operations in accordance with the conditions and limitations that may be specified in the AOC.

The issue and continued validity of an AOC by the Authority shall be dependent upon the operator demonstrating an adequate organization, method of control and supervision of flight operations, training programme as well as ground handling and maintenance arrangements consistent with the nature and extent of the operations specified.