COMMERCIAL · GLOSSARY
Operator
Also known as: Part 135 operator, AOC holder
The certified company that actually flies the aircraft under its own air operator certificate (AOC in Europe, Part 135 in the US).
Other names for Operator
In the private aviation industry, Operator is also commonly referred to as Part 135 operator and AOC holder. These terms are used interchangeably by operators, brokers and crews.
IN PRACTICE
Operators are responsible for crew training, aircraft maintenance, dispatch, insurance and operational control. They are the entity certified by the local civil aviation authority to conduct on-demand charter.
Customers typically interact with operators only through their broker, but always have the right to request the operator's certificate, insurance and safety audit status before flight.
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Frequently asked
What does Operator mean in private aviation?
Also called Part 135 operator, AOC holder. The certified company that actually flies the aircraft under its own air operator certificate (AOC in Europe, Part 135 in the US).
How does operator work in practice?
Operators are responsible for crew training, aircraft maintenance, dispatch, insurance and operational control. They are the entity certified by the local civil aviation authority to conduct on-demand charter.
When is operator the right option for a charter client?
Operator fits flyers who match the usage pattern described above. For one-off trips, on-demand charter is usually more flexible; for recurring travel, structured products like jet cards or fractional programmes can be more predictable.
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