Aircraft Consulting Services

At FBO Operators, we guide our clients through every stage of aircraft ownership and operation. From purchase and import to regulatory approvals and ongoing management, we help our clients with smoother project execution and better financial planning. Our aviation consulting services cater to India, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.

We work with business leaders, private aircraft owners, and aviation companies to make the process easier and not complex or time-consuming. Buying a jet, applying for a Non-Scheduled Operator’s Permit (NSOP), exploring fractional ownership, or setting up operations for a foreign carrier can be difficult. We make sure that your plans are aligned with every regulatory, technical, and financial requirement.

Regulatory & Permit Services

To operate an aircraft in India, coordination is required with multiple authorities: DGCA, BCAS, Ministry of Civil Aviation, and Customs. Our team handles the full lifecycle of approvals and compliance.

These regulatory processes require attention, transparency, and patience. You can rely on our expertise working with Indian and South Asian authorities to help your applications pass smoothly through each formality.

1. NSOP (Non-Scheduled Operator’s Permit)

We create and submit applications under DGCA’s Civil Aviation Requirements (CARs), handle security clearances, and coordinate follow-ups with the Ministry. Also, we assist with ongoing compliance, audits, and renewals.

2. AOP / AOC (Air Operator’s Permit / Certificate)

We take care of the full certification process for both scheduled and non-scheduled operators, including paperwork, inspections, and test flights under DGCA’s CAP 3100 rules.

3. Foreign Carrier Operating Authorization

We help international airlines get DGCA approvals, manage traffic rights, arrange slots, and set up local operations.

Aircraft Acquisition & Import Assistance

Buying and importing an aircraft involves several regulated steps that are different from a normal purchase. We offer clear advice and practical support to make each stage easier.

As aircraft imports can cause heavy taxation in India, we help clients understand the cost structure early and explore compliant, efficient pathways to reduce unnecessary expenses.

Here’s what we offer:

● Aircraft Search & Evaluation: We help you find an aircraft that suits your needs, range, and budget.
● Technical & Financial Due Diligence: We check maintenance records, airworthiness history, and ownership papers before purchase.
● Transaction & Escrow Coordination: Managing deals, contracts, and payments with international sellers or brokers.
● Import & Customs Clearance: Managing DGCA import permissions, customs filings (Bill of Entry), duty assessments, and coordination with MROs for reassembly and test flights.
● Registration & Airworthiness: We handle the registration process with DGCA to make sure the aircraft meets all airworthiness rules.
● Tax & Cost Modeling: Providing clear estimates for Basic Customs Duty (BCD), IGST, Social Welfare Surcharge (SWS), and GST implications on commercial versus private acquisitions.

Ownership Structures & Fractional Programs

For those who don’t want to buy a whole aircraft, we offer fractional ownership and management plans. This enables multiple people to share a private aircraft without paying for it all.

Fractional ownership is common around the world, but in India it needs careful planning because the rules are still developing. Current practice allows shared ownership through company or SPV structures, where investors hold equity proportional to their flight hours.

We assist with:

● Designing compliant ownership and management models.
● Drafting governance, usage, and cost-sharing agreements.
● Setting up clear schedules and billing systems.
● Working with tax and legal experts to follow all rules.
We make sure our solutions are easy to use while fully following Indian aviation and tax rules, so you can enjoy private flying without any hassles or uncertainty.

Operational & Technical Support

FBO Operators also work as a supervisory agency and ground handling service provider across South Asia. We ensure consistency and reliability for private and corporate flights in each destination.

Once your aircraft or operation is ready, we offer complete post-acquisition support:

● Crew recruitment, training, and permit management.
● Maintenance oversight and coordination with CAMO/MRO partners.
● Fueling of aircraft, catering, VIP terminal support, and other ground handling services.
● Route and slot planning, risk assessment, and local security coordination.
● Ongoing audit readiness, DGCA/BCAS compliance, and document management.

Things to Know About Aviation in India and South Asia

Starting aviation operations in India and South Asia requires careful planning:

● Regulatory Compliance is Ongoing: DGCA and BCAS have detailed rules that require regular documentation, audits, and reporting even after permits are granted.
● Import Duties Can Be High: Private aircraft may encounter heavy taxes, while commercial operators under NSOP or AOP can get exemptions if the paperwork is correct.
● Fractional Ownership is New: Shared aircraft programs are common worldwide, but in India, the rules are still developing. Proper structuring is required to stay compliant.
● Timelines Take Time: Approvals, import clearances, and certifications can take months. Planning in advance can help avoid delays.
● Indian Ownership Matters: Most DGCA permits have to be held by Indian citizens or companies. Foreign participation needs to follow FDI and control rules.

Why Choose FBO Operators

● Regulatory Insight: We engage directly with DGCA, BCAS, Customs, and Ministry authorities.
● Regional Experience: The best operational knowledge across airports in South Asia.
● Transparent Process: Clear communication, accurate cost projections, and ethical guidance.
● Turnkey Capability: From acquisition to operations, one team manages every stage.

Whether you are buying your first private jet, applying for an NSOP, or setting up a new aviation business in India, FBO Operators provide the expertise, connections, and regulatory clarity to make your project a success.