• New Airline Start Ups
• Airline Investors and Entrepreneurs
• Existing Airlines
• Cargo Airlines
• Jet and turbo prop operators
The Eagle Aviation Consulting airline start up process is segmented into two distinct but interlinked phases;
Phase 1: Airline Start Up Planning, and
Phase 2: Airline Start Up Implementation and Launch.
In this section the EAC implementation and launch process is discussed. This process involves operational set up, air operating certification and the ultimate launch of air services. An airline start up business plan may fail if implementation is poorly executed. It is therefore as important as the development of the airline start up business plan.
The EAC team of partners and associates have vast experience in project managing airline implementation projects. EAC can also assist with all critical tasks within the implementation process including the sourcing of start up funding, fleet acquisition, executive placements, and the air operating certification process.
The EAC approach to airline start up implementation and launch typically involves the following process;
Phase 2: Airline Start Up Implementation and Launch
Step 1: Project Implementation Plan
This initial step involves the EAC team developing a detailed implementation plan. This plan will capture project tasks, interdependencies, responsibilities, and timelines, and guide the implementation process. It will draw on the objectives and timelines outlined within the airline start up business plan including the high level implementation schedule.
Step 2: Funding Sourced
Access to capital is a critical enabler of implementation, and therefore must be in place before Implementation may progress further. The capitalisation plan, drawn from the airline start up business plan provides guidance in terms of the quantum of funds required, the timing of funding, and the sources of those funds
 Step 3: Airline Management Recruitment
The most important resource within any organisation is its people, their knowledge, skills, capability and know how. It is therefore critical that the right management and team members are recruited to the airline.
In this step the core management and other critical roles are recruited to assist with the implementation process. The air operating certification process is a primary driver of this recruitment process. Other management positions and the wider team will be recruited during the ongoing implementation phase.
Members of the EAC team may also be available to fill positions on a temporary basis until a suitable permanent placement is found.
Step 4: Air Operating Certification
An air operating certificate (AOC) is mandatory for all airlines, without it the airline will not be permitted to operate air services. The air operating certification process involves the start up airline, its key personnel and its airline start up business plan being closely scrutinised by the regulatory authority charged with overseeing the airline’s operations.
A typical AOC application process includes the following activities, and these largely drive the remaining implementation process:
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Identify the aircraft type(s) to be operated.
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Select key personnel: For example Chief Executive, Chief Pilot, Chief Training Captain, Engineering Manger, Quality Assurance /Investigations Manager. These people need to have suitable experience and qualifications. An AOC application project manager is also needed who could be one of the above team although each will have a lot to do themselves.
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Define the organisational structure, location of offices, tasks to be outsourced, key suppliers (especially aircraft maintenance).
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Submit application to the regulator for the AOC and for “senior person” approvals, including “fit and proper” application. Meet with the regulator to discuss the proposal and set timelines.
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Prepare or obtain the “exposition” (the set of policy and procedure manuals) that define how the operation will function in accordance with the regulators rules.
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Submit proposals for ETOPS requirements / and other approvals for regulator agreement.
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Submit exposition to the regulator. Monitor its approval progress, deal with regulator questions/issues, redraft as necessary.
Step 5: Aircraft Sourced
In this step aircraft which meet the aircraft type /” fit for mission” criteria identified within the airline start up business plan are sourced. Aircraft may be purchased or leased. This step will also involve a review of the aircraft configuration (seating, equipment) against requirements, and the organising of a spares support package.
Step 6: Air Operating Certificate Issued and Operational Set Up
The final step prior to launch involves the submission of the airline’s exposition to the regulator, and the management of any questions / issues the regulator may have prior to approvals and issuance of the AOC.
In tandem with the AOC process the airline’s operational model will be set up guided by the recommendations made within the airline start up business plan, and any regulator imposed requirements outlined in the AOC process.
Operational set up will include ensuring all physical facilities are in place including flight operations, training, maintenance, sales, and management offices.
The recruitment of all remaining personnel will now occur, including pilots, cabin crew, other operational personnel, and management personnel.
Training and induction programs will then follow for pilots, cabin crew and other operations personnel.
 All third party contracts for operational and other services will have been negotiated and should now be activated.
The airline start up will now have received all necessary regulatory approvals, an AOC will have been issued and the operating model will be fully functional. Air services may now be launched.
A well managed and successful implementation will not end here. Instead subject to client requirements the initial launch phase will be monitored for a period to ensure compliance with the airline start up business plan.
Click to download EAC's Airline Start Up Implementation and Launch Process
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