ACASS continues to expand its global footprint with the formation of ACASS Ireland. The operation combines the resources of Montreal, Canada-based ACASS and Irish private aviation operator SONAS Aviation.

With offices at Shannon airport in Ireland and Farnborough in the UK, ACASS Ireland offers charter and private and commercial aircraft management solutions in the UK and throughout Europe. As an Irish AOC holder, it can provide free circulation and unfettered traffic rights throughout Europe and the 44 countries covered by EU bilateral agreements, including the USA and Canada.

“We recognise this is a challenging time for our industry and most of the world,” says ACASS Ireland president Graham Williamson. “But now more than ever, private aviation users need options and support they can depend on. ACASS Ireland can deliver the comprehensive bespoke solutions and the same highly experienced team SONAS was known for with the peace of mind and resources of a global leader like ACASS.”

ACASS Ireland's EASA Type A AOC and Operating Licence were issued by the Irish Aviation Authority and the Irish Commission for Aviation Regulation in April this year.

“Having your aircraft registered or operated by an Irish AOC holder offers significant advantages,” says Williamson. “Among them are efficient importation of private and corporate aircraft into the EU, unrestricted access and free circulation for aircraft through Europe, a simple tax environment, a respected and secure jurisdiction for financiers and the familiarity and transparency of an English language legal system that will remain stable after the UK leaves the EU.”

The formation of ACASS Ireland marks the culmination of nearly two years' worth of planning, building and formalisation, according to ACASS CEO Andre Khury, who says: “ACASS Ireland is a major milestone for us in several ways. First, it builds on our already strong physical presence in Europe, secondly it exponentially expands our charter capabilities and, finally, it allows us to offer our clients very flexible management options in a post-Brexit world.”