Guide

Starting a Canadian commercial air service: certify the organization, aircraft, personnel and manuals

Starting a Canadian commercial air service: certify the organization, aircraft, personnel and manuals

Priority

The operating certificate and the Agency’s economic licence are separate. Do not sell or operate a service before all authorizations are in place.

Confirm the scope

Determine the commercial subpart, services, bases, routes, aircraft, crews, maintenance and operations specifications involved.

Prepare the information

Contact the regional office early and prepare management structure, systems, manuals, training, operational control and detailed compliance.

Complete the process

File the statement of intent and personnel, aircraft, base and maintenance forms, then complete document and demonstration phases.

Keep follow-up records

Await the certificate and other licences, then control specifications, amendments, audits, occurrences and continuing compliance.

Air operator certificates — Transport Canada

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Official sources are linked in the guide. Checked August 30, 2026; confirm current rules, forms and deadlines with the responsible authority.
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