Foreign air operator authorization for flights to and from Canada

These requirements apply if you are a foreign air operator planning a commercial air transport service into or out of Canada.

Scheduled air transport services

To conduct a scheduled service, you must:

1. 1. hold a Canadian Foreign Air Operator Certificate from the Minister of Transport
   2. be designated according to a bilateral air agreement, or any other arrangement, that was settled between Canada and your state (country) of certification
   3. hold a Scheduled International Service Licence from the Canadian Transportation Agency

Non-scheduled air transport services

To conduct a non-scheduled service, you must:

1. hold a Canadian Foreign Air Operator Certificate from the Minister of Transport
2. get prior permission from the Canadian Transportation Agency unless your service is allowed by a bilateral air services agreement between Canada and your state of certification
3. hold a Non-Scheduled International Service Licence from the Canadian Transportation Agency

To be designated according to a bilateral agreement, you should consult your regulatory authority.

To apply for a Scheduled or Non-scheduled International Service Licence, visit Licences and charter permits or contact the Canadian Transportation Agency by:

Email: licence@otc-cta-gc.ca  
Telephone: 1-888-222-2592
Facsimile: 1-819-997-6727.  

Applying for a Foreign Air Operator Certificate

Learn about requirements on how to apply for the Canadian Foreign Air Operator Certificate or contact the:

Foreign Operations Division
Email:  FOA-AOE@tc.gc.ca
Facsimile: (613) 949-4227

Security requirements when applying for a Foreign Air Operator Certificate

Air Carriers applying for a Foreign Air Operator Certificate who intend to operate screened Passenger flights with or without transporting Cargo to a Canadian airport where passenger screening takes place are required to comply with the Canadian Aviation Security Regulations 2012 (CASR 2012) and applicable Security Measures. They must also meet the requirements of the Secure Air Travel Regulation (SATR) and be in compliance with the Enhance Passenger Protect Program. Applicants may also be required to register to Transport Canada’s secure portal to facilitate the transfer of security sensitive information.

Applicants must contact Transport Canada Aviation Security directly for information regarding these requirements at aviationsecurity-sureteaerienne@tc.gc.ca.