Cayman signs deal with Saudi aviation authority

(CNS): The Civil Aviation Authority of the Cayman Islands (CAACI) has signed an agreement with the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA) of Saudi Arabia allowing aircraft registered in the Cayman Islands to be operated for commercial purposes by a Saudi Arabian airline. Signalling a new level of cooperation between the two aviation regulatory authorities, the Director-General of Civil Aviation Richard Smith said it was quite an accomplishment for the Cayman Islands.

This agreement, known as an Article 83 bis Agreement in accordance with the International Convention on Civil Aviation (ICAO), provides for the sharing of aircraft regulatory oversight responsibilities between the State of Registry (Cayman Islands) and the State of Operator (Saudi Arabia).

“This agreement has been well thought out, it follows established international standards for safety oversight and we have created a partnership that is beneficial to all parties involved.  I am quite pleased with this accomplishment and the high level of aviation safety oversight that the CAACI is able to provide globally,” said Smith.

The CAACI says that Cayman’s Aircraft Registry is one of choice and is attractive to prominent global corporations, affluent individuals and aircraft leasing companies due to the highly regulated and stable jurisdiction Cayman offers.  As a movable asset, it is important for aircraft leasing companies and financiers to have their assets registered in a jurisdiction such as the Cayman Islands. 

In entering into such agreement, the UK, as signatory to international treaties, must be satisfied and give its approval.  The CAACI was provided with an entrustment by the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office to sign this international agreement, which is in keeping with the standards and recommended practices of the International Civil Aviation Organization.

This level of commitment and partnership is indicative of the credible reputation and quality of safety oversight the two authorities will provide to aircraft affected by this Agreement, the CAACI said. The Agreement was signed in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia by the Director-General of Civil Aviation for the Cayman Islands Richard Smith and Capt Mohammad Ali Jamjoom, Vice President of Safety & Economic Regulation for the General Authority of Civil Aviation, Saudi Arabia.

 “This agreement has been well thought out, it follows established international standards for safety oversight and we have created a partnership that is beneficial to all parties involved.  I am quite pleased with this accomplishment and the high level of aviation safety oversight that the CAACI is able to provide globally,” said Smith.