Serious consequences for charters operating without a valid UK Foreign Carrier Permit, warns BBGA

Wednesday 19th February 2025

There will be serious consequences if non-UK Air Carriers disobey rules and operate commercial business aviation charters in and out of UK airports without obtaining the necessary Foreign Carrier Permit (Charter Permit), The British Business General Aviation Association (BBGA) warns.

BBGA highlighted a recent flight when an overseas operator, flying an international celebrity, flew from continental Europe to the UK, taking off without the required Foreign Carrier charter permit.  Another worrisome scenario is when a charter permit is impossible to secure in the timeframe available and an AOC operator, desperate to operate the trip, chooses to file the flight ‘private.’ The charter client may be totally unaware that the operator is flouting the rules to get revenue in.

An air taxi or an air charter, is recognised in law as ‘commercial’ air transport and should never be considered as a private arrangement.  The flight plan for such flights cannot thus be filed as “G,” as that denotes a private flight.

In the case of the celebrity flight, the UK Civil Aviation Authority took swift and efficient action. The operator was investigated and enforcement action was undertaken by the Authority, resulting in a loss of opportunity - for both the operator wishing to sell charters to the UK and the aircraft owner being able to visit the UK with their own aircraft (for a lengthy period of time).

“Imagine through no fault of their own, the aircraft’s owner is denied access to the UK with their own business aircraft, because the aircraft management company/operator flouted permit rules,” commented Paul Cremer, Chairman of the British Business and General Aviation Operations Working Group.

Joining forces with global air charter association, The Air Charter Association, and the UK Operations Managers Association, BBGA is urging its members to collaborate and share intelligence with the Civil Aviation Authority in a concerted bid to stop AOC operators operating flights if they have not been issued with the relevant charter permit.

If there is any doubt regarding compliance with the requirements of civil aviation legislation, a report can be filed directly with the Authority: https://www.caa.co.uk/our-work/make-a-report-or-complaint/report-something/make-a-whistleblowing-report/.

With over 40 operator members flying turboprops right though to ultra-long range business jets, BBGA’s Operations Working Group meets regularly at aircraft operator, FBO and OEM facilities up and down the country to address and educate members on critical topics. Representatives from the UK CAA and DfT attend these meetings, either in person or online.  

“We urge all non-UK air carriers, including European Economic Area (EEA) and European Free Trade Association (EFTA) operators, that wish to undertake commercial services to, from or within the United Kingdom to check all their documentation and credentials and to fully understand how the permit system works.” emphasises Cremer.

BBGA will host its annual conference in London on March 11.  The theme ‘Running Together’ will celebrate collaboration and innovation as our industry continues to broaden and expand.

BBGA warns of consequences of operating commercially without a permit 

About BBGA

BBGA is the UK’s national trade body representing business and general aviation.  Formerly known as GAMTA and founded in 1970, its member companies span all facets of the business aviation sector.  BBGA represents nearly 200 companies, including airports, corporate flight departments, operators, aviation services organisations and aircraft manufacturers.