ACASS Canada Expands AOCs for Tailored Private Clients

ACASS Canada is leveraging its Air Operator Certificates (AOCs) in Canada, Ireland, and San Marino to offer customized solutions for its clients’ diverse needs. In an exclusive interview at the NBAA-BACE in Las Vegas, CEO and Co-Owner Andre Khury shared that ACASS prioritizes flexibility and client-centered services, using each certificate as a tool to enhance their offerings in multiple markets without favoring one jurisdiction over another.

Client-Focused AOCs Across Regions

Each AOC held by ACASS serves distinct market needs. The Canadian AOC primarily supports clients within Canada and operates six mid to large-cabin aircraft. While ACASS does not pursue U.S. charter services, the Canadian market’s dependence on U.S. economic trends indirectly shapes its demand.

ACASS’s Irish AOC, issued in response to Brexit, supports European market growth with four commercial aircraft, making it the second-largest business aviation operator in Ireland. Ireland’s regulatory and financial environment, especially favorable for lenders, has made it an attractive hub for ACASS. This registry enhances their ability to serve European clients, with an anticipated expansion of the Irish fleet in the coming years.

Meanwhile, the San Marino AOC caters to clients from the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. Although this AOC includes charter permissions, it’s limited within Europe and the U.S. since San Marino is outside the EASA framework. The San Marino AOC’s value lies in serving clients who frequently travel across these regions, offering tailored services to meet varied client goals.

“We view registries as tools. It’s about matching the right registry with the client’s needs, not about which registry is better,” Khury explained, highlighting the value of strategic flexibility.

Diverse Fleet and Growth Strategy

ACASS’s fleet, managed under its client-centric model, covers a range of aircraft types without preference for specific manufacturers. The company operates mid to large-cabin jets, including Bombardier Challenger and Global models, along with other manufacturers’ offerings, based on client demand. The company’s fleet is composed mainly of client-owned jets, with around 70% used exclusively for personal use, while the rest are available for charter, reflecting robust market demand.

Although ACASS is based near Bombardier’s facilities in Montreal, Khury clarified that their fleet makeup is not manufacturer-specific. “We value Bombardier as we do all OEMs. We have an excellent relationship with them but are open to all manufacturers to best serve our clients,” he said.

Aircraft Management and Market Opportunities

ACASS provides a comprehensive suite of services, including aircraft management, charter services, maintenance oversight, crew staffing, and sales. This wide range allows them to attract a diverse client base, offering bespoke solutions that meet unique owner needs. In Canada, their fleet includes three Challenger 604s/605s and several Global Express models, while the Irish and San Marino certificates support varied fleet compositions.

Charter services remain a key growth area for ACASS. As the COVID-19 pandemic prompted more clients to transition from charters to aircraft ownership, ACASS has strengthened its charter offerings as a pathway to eventual ownership. “Charter is an important piece of our strategy—it often leads to ownership as clients’ needs grow,” Khury noted.

Expanding Reach with Flexible Registries

ACASS’s use of multiple AOCs across Canada, Ireland, and San Marino provides unmatched flexibility for clients with different regulatory and operational needs. This registry diversity is central to ACASS’s approach, supporting the specific goals of clients across markets and building a pathway from charter to ownership. The company remains focused on maintaining high-quality service and growth within its existing certificates, with potential expansion based on client demand and investment.

As ACASS continues to refine its client-focused model, its registry and fleet flexibility will enable the company to adapt to changing market dynamics and meet growing demands for tailored, region-specific aviation solutions.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, ch-aviation.com