i n te r v i e w
summer edition
Thomas Dunstan
QQ You’ve been the Director General at BCAA for 8 years now, but before that, you’ve spent a decade at Bermuda’s International Airport. It’s safe to say that you’re an expert in aviation. As you see it, what are the main benefits of registering aircraft — and companies — in Bermuda over other jurisdictions?
safety oversight system, which was audited last year with extremely positive results.
high standards of regulation, and its aircraft registry is no different. We have a solid international reputation for offering high regulatory standards and excellent service levels.This includes an International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) based
Cape Town Convention and our Air- The biggest obstacle that the BCAA craft Engine and Mortgage Registers. had to overcome was transitioning In terms of setting up a company, the processes from operating as a Bermuda’s legal and business infra- Government department to funcstructure makes it a very secure and tioning as a business. An independattractive location. Bermuda’s reg- ent Board of Directors is responsible ulatory authorities are recognized for the actions of the authority, and
Another benefit for aircraft owners and lessors is the flexibility of our requirements, such as Type Certificate acceptance. We accept ANAC (Brazil), EASA, FAA and Transport Canada certificates. This helps to minimize the cost of registering an aircraft. Bermuda is also a lowtax jurisdiction with a consumption-based tax regime. Owners registering an aircraft on the Bermuda Aircraft Registry may be in a position to take advantage of favourable tax treatment in their principal place of business.
for meeting global requirements around anti-money laundering, terrorist financing and economic substance, to name a few.
QQ In 2016, BCAA went through some interesting changes and completed the transition from a government-run department to a semiautonomous administration. What were the biggest Registering an aircraft in Bermuda challenges during the offers many benefits both through transition? As a few years customer experience and cost benhave already gone by, what efits. The Bermuda Aircraft Registry are the most important has built a team of knowledgeable differences that this move has and highly experienced staff in Airbrought — for BCAA and your worthiness, Operations and Regula- The Bermuda Registry also offers asset protection through both the clients? tion. Bermuda has a reputation for
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