Argentina Introduces Simplified Air Transport Authorization for Small Aircraft

The Undersecretary of Air Transport of Argentina announced a new provision published today in the Official Gazette, which establishes a simplified procedure for authorizing non-scheduled air transport using aircraft with up to 19 seats. This measure, as outlined in the preamble, aims to reduce administrative burdens, expedite processes, and promote the development of the country’s air transport sector, «while maintaining the high operational safety standards that characterize the aviation authority.»

Ads

Streamlining processes within ANAC

According to Provision 12/2024, individuals and companies will now be able to simultaneously submit applications for aerocommercial authorization and the Air Service Operator Certificate (CESA) to the National Directorate of Operational Safety (DNSO), which is under the National Civil Aviation Administration (ANAC). Previously, these processes were handled separately, leading to unnecessary costs and delays, as the first procedure took 30 days and the CESA authorization took another 90 days.

The new framework allows the DNSO to oversee compliance with the requirements set forth in the Aeronautical Code and its regulations, then forward the aerocommercial authorization proposals to the Undersecretary of Air Transport for final approval.

This provision complements the Regulation on Access to Aerocommercial Markets, from Decree No. 599/2024 signed in July 2024 (spanish), aimed at fostering air connectivity throughout the country. This regulation is based on principles described as «free market access, fair trade, tariff deregulation, strict protection of operational safety and aviation security, continuous oversight of authorized services, the principle of state unity, contractual freedom, efficiency, direct communication, dynamism, comprehensiveness, and effectiveness, among others.» The regulation, in turn, aligns with reforms introduced by Decree No. 70/2023, which declared a public emergency and emphasized the need to reorganize aerocommercial legislation to strengthen the industry.

The simplified procedure targets operators using aircraft with up to 19 seats for non-scheduled passenger or cargo services, both domestically and internationally.

Ads

«This is essential to achieve greater connectivity. More air routes. More aircraft to meet the needs of our vast country, complementing and enhancing the Argentine air transport market with these small aircraft that can operate routes between localities currently lacking connectivity or with low demand,» said Franco Mogetta, Secretary of Transport of Argentina.