New agreement strengthens regulatory cooperation between the two Civil Aviation Authorities, enabling San Marino-registered aircraft to operate commercially under Aruba-issued Air Operator Certificates.
The San Marino Civil Aviation Authority (SM-CAA) and the Department of Civil Aviation Aruba (DCA-A) have formally executed a new regulatory oversight agreement establishing a framework for San Marino-registered aircraft to operate commercially under Air Operator Certificates (AOCs) issued by Aruba.
The agreement marks an important milestone in the cooperation between the two jurisdictions, establishing a clear framework for coordinating safety oversight responsibilities while providing aircraft owners and operators with greater flexibility.
The San Marino Aircraft Registry (SMAR) and The Registry of Aruba welcome the agreement, which further strengthens the longstanding relationship between San Marino and Aruba while maintaining the highest standards of regulatory oversight and international aviation safety.
Signed on September 7, the agreement defines how SM-CAA and DCA-A will coordinate their respective oversight functions, with San Marino acting as the State of Registry and Aruba as the State of Operator. Established under Article 83 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation, each authority retains its respective regulatory responsibilities.
“This strengthens the relationship between our two jurisdictions while creating a clear framework for aircraft owners and operators whose registration and commercial operating requirements span San Marino and Aruba,” said David Colindres, President of the San Marino Aircraft Registry. “The value lies in having two civil aviation authorities working closely together, with clearly defined responsibilities and a shared commitment to safety and effective oversight.”
What this means for owners and operators
The framework applies to eligible San Marino-registered aircraft operating commercially under an Aruba-issued AOC, creating a formal structure that connects San Marino registration with commercial operation under Aruba.
It defines how SM-CAA and DCA-A will cooperate across key areas including aircraft operations and airworthiness, certification, maintenance arrangements, personnel licensing and aircraft records.
“International aircraft ownership increasingly requires regulatory structures that recognize how aircraft are actually operated,” said David Colindres, President of the San Marino Aircraft Registry. “This provides qualifying owners and operators with a clear framework for combining San Marino registration with commercial operation under an Aruba AOC, while ensuring that both civil aviation authorities remain closely coordinated throughout the operation of the aircraft.”
Ongoing regulatory cooperation
The framework establishes an ongoing relationship between SM-CAA and DCA-A, including annual reviews of safety oversight activities, flight operations, continuing airworthiness, maintenance, ramp inspections and crew licensing. Dedicated focal points will also maintain regular communication between the two authorities.
The agreement further provides mechanisms for documentation sharing and on-site inspections, while clearly defining each authority’s responsibilities across operational and airworthiness matters.
The agreement will remain effective for three years and may be renewed for a period agreed by both authorities.