Exceptional safety oversight. Global respect. Bespoke service. These are the hallmarks of a superior aircraft registration experience. While there are several options available for registering an aircraft, time and time again, owners and operators worldwide are making the Bermuda Aircraft Registry their registry of choice. They may be initially drawn by the potential cost and tax savings, but they’re ultimately convinced by the outstanding expertise and service.
Built on a solid foundation
As private aircraft owners know, every plane must be properly registered before it is legal to fly, and interestingly, an aircraft does not need to be based in the jurisdiction in which it has been registered. In fact, many of the aircraft on the Bermuda Aircraft Registry spend most – if not all – of their time outside the country. So, what sets the Bermuda Aircraft Registry apart?
First, its location. Situated in the North Atlantic, the Bermuda Aircraft Registry is owned and operated by the Bermuda Civil Aviation Authority (BCAA).
Bermuda is a United Kingdom Overseas Territory and is regulated by the UK Department for Transport, ensuring adherence to international safety and airworthiness benchmarks. This is a unique situation for a registry – and a key differentiator. The regulatory requirements are established in the Air Navigation (Overseas Territories) Order (AN(OT)O) – a framework designed specifically for UK Overseas Territories – and are fully compliant with the standards and recommended practices of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).
The Bermuda Aircraft Registry includes a mix of private and commercial aircraft operating on Article 83 bis agreements of the Convention on International Civil Aviation or on a Bermuda Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) – an option that offers flexible operational arrangements, such as leasing agreements and charter services.
“Over the years, our team has developed a deep understanding of the needs of private aircraft owners,” says Thomas Dunstan, BCAA’s Director General (below). “We are well positioned to deliver the high level of service and guidance aircraft owners expect.”
A tradition of safety and regulatory excellence
Another competitive advantage is the registry’s focus on safety oversight. At the BCAA, safety is paramount. Drawing on their decades of experience and unparalleled knowledge, the Bermuda team has established a well- earned reputation for providing world-class regulatory oversight. Aircraft on the Bermuda Registry are subject to rigorous airworthiness and safety oversight.
To maintain those high standards, the BCAA conducts safety inspections, certification and ongoing monitoring of registered aircraft, and continues to achieve high levels of compliance with the stringent international aviation standards and regulations set by the ICAO.
Backed by a team known for its responsiveness, clarity and practical problem-solving, the Bermuda Aircraft Registry has achieved global recognition among operators, financiers and regulators.
As a result, and as Kyle James, Business Development Manager at BCAA (below), explains: “Owners and operators have the confidence of knowing that their registered aircraft are subject to ICAO-aligned safety standards delivered through a pragmatic, responsive approach.”
Freedom of flight: neutral, private and globally respected
By selecting the Bermuda Aircraft Registry, private aircraft owners also benefit from the privilege of neutrality. Bermuda is a politically balanced jurisdiction that gives owners the freedom to operate globally without the sensitivities that can sometimes be associated with national identifiers.
“The Bermuda registration prefixes are VP-B and VQ-B,” says James. “They offer both prestige and neutrality that are recognised worldwide – a fairly rare combination.” This discreet blend of exclusivity and legitimacy makes the Bermuda Aircraft Registry a favoured option amongst private owners and corporations who are seeking privacy and low political visibility. The fact that Bermuda-registered aircraft are welcomed in jurisdictions across the globe – a sign of the international confidence and respect the Registry garners – is an added bonus.
Tax and cost efficiencies
In addition to the benefits of rigorous safety standards, neutrality and privacy, and exceptional client service, aircraft registration in Bermuda offers owners potential cost and tax advantages. The registration fees are competitive and being registered with an internationally-renowned organisation helps ensure the aircraft retain their resale value. Owners may also be able to mitigate the expense of their aircraft by obtaining an Air Operator Certificate through the Registry.
Private aircraft owners should keep in mind that Bermuda has zero income, corporate, withholding or capital gains taxes. By registering an aircraft in Bermuda, owners and operators may be in a position to take advantage of favourable tax treatment in their principal place of business.
Service tailored to your needs
The BCAA’s tagline, “Putting you at the centre of everything we do,” is fundamental to the entire organisation’s business philosophy and is reflected in the Registry’s commitment to exceptional client service.
“For us, registering a new aircraft is so much more than a transaction,” James explains. “Behind every registration is a relationship – one that we focus on fostering and maintaining for the long term.”
According to James, the Bermuda Aircraft Registry offers a personalised, concierge-style service, where clients are treated as partners to ensure smooth, efficient and enjoyable ownership experiences.
A critical element of this dedicated relationship management is effective, transparent communication. To ensure they’re able to respond to clients and meet their needs in a timely fashion, the Registry maintains offices in the United Kingdom and also has representatives strategically located in Canada, Dubai, Shanghai and the USA – resulting in worldwide availability for a global client base.
This emphasis on superior client service is just one more reason why the Bermuda Aircraft Registry is trusted by high-net-worth and elite operators, management companies and family offices worldwide.
Further information
To find out more about registering an aircraft with the Bermuda Aircraft Registry visit bcaa.bm or registerwithbermuda.com
