Illegal air transport services under scrutiny by Poland's Civil Aviation Authority

Poland's Civil Aviation Authority (ULC) is intensifying its oversight of illegal air transport services, particularly those offering scenic flights, helicopter tours, and recreational flights often advertised as gifts on social media. The ULC warns that while these services are popular during the peak holiday season, not all are operated in compliance with current regulations.

A fundamental requirement for conducting paid air transport of passengers is the possession of an Air Operator Certificate (AOC). This document certifies that an operator meets stringent standards for business organization, personnel qualifications, aircraft airworthiness oversight, and safety management systems. The ULC stresses that an AOC confirms a carrier's adherence to the rigorous safety standards mandated in civil aviation.

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During the holiday season, many people decide to take a scenic flight or buy one for their loved ones as a gift. We want to remind them that passengers have the right to ask the carrier if they have an AOC and to verify this information before purchasing the service. This is not a superfluous formality – it is one of the basic elements of aviation safety. An informed passenger is a safer passenger.

Agnieszka Sokół, spokesperson for the ULC, stated, "During the holiday season, many people decide to take a scenic flight or buy one for their loved ones as a gift. We want to remind them that passengers have the right to ask the carrier if they have an AOC and to verify this information before purchasing the service. This is not a superfluous formality – it is one of the basic elements of aviation safety. An informed passenger is a safer passenger."

The ULC also highlights the risks associated with using services from entities operating commercial flights without the required certification. Passengers may not be covered by the protections afforded to commercial aviation, including carrier liability rules in the event of an incident. Furthermore, illegal operations undermine the market, as certified carriers incur significant costs to maintain high safety standards, staff training, and aircraft maintenance, while uncertified operators bypass these obligations, gaining an unfair competitive advantage. The ULC is conducting checks and has referred several cases to prosecutors this year, urging passengers to verify an operator's AOC before booking.

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Passenger safety and fair operating principles for the aviation market go hand in hand. We want all businesses to operate under the same rules and meet the same requirements. Adhering to regulations is not just an obligation, but above all, a guarantee of an appropriate level of safety for passengers.