TAG Aviation Gets Cayman Islands' AOC

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (24 May 2022) –The Civil Aviation Authority of the Cayman Islands (CAACI) announces the issuance of an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) for fixed wing commercial operations to Tag Aviation (Cayman) SEZC, a company with its principle place of business in the Cayman Islands’ Special Economic Zone. TAG Aviation currently operates fourteen aircraft on the Cayman Islands Aircraft Registry including a Gulfstream 650 to be operated by Tag Aviation (Cayman) under the SEZ AOC.

“We are pleased to issue Tag Aviation (Cayman) SEZC with a Cayman Islands Air Operator Certificate. TAG has been a longstanding operator of Cayman Islands’ registered aircraft for private owners and we are delighted that they will now provide commercial air transport services under this new AOC. This addition to commercial operations demonstrates mutual confidence held by our respective organisations in assuring safe and compliant operations. We look forward to their continued growth and success as they serve the needs of this dynamic industry.

We also want to acknowledge the strategic partnership between the Civil Aviation Authority of the Cayman Islands (CAACI) and Cayman Enterprise City (CEC) that provides key elements required for the jurisdictional establishment for operators engaged in commercial operations offshore” said Director-General of Civil Aviation, Mr. Richard Smith.

Receiving the Cayman AOC will further enhance TAG Aviation’s aircraft management options and charter service portfolio activities. The company also holds AOCs from San Marino, Malta and UK and currently manages a fleet of 80 business jets.

“The Cayman AOC allows us to extend the scope of TAG’s capabilities and widen our range of bespoke services to our clients by providing the flexibility of various operating solutions” said Steven Young, President of TAG Aviation.

Julyn Tan, Accountable Manager of TAG Cayman AOC said, “We are delighted to have obtained this AOC from CAACI, enabling us to expand our commercial aircraft operations for our clients. The CAACI certification team worked both collaboratively and proactively with TAG throughout the whole process.”

“Congratulations to Tag Aviation (Cayman) SEZC on the grant of your Cayman Islands AOC. We are delighted to welcome yet another high-quality operator and recognised industry leader to our vibrant and growing special economic zone community” said Charlie Kirkconnell, CEO, Cayman Enterprise City.

Hon. André Ebanks, Minister for Financial Services and Commerce, who was also in attendance said, "I am pleased to see the partnership between the CAACI, Tag Aviation (Cayman) SEZC and CEC. The issuance of the AOC to Tag symbolizes the credible partnership and globally recognized value of the Cayman Islands Aircraft Registry".

TAG Aviation currently have 14 aircraft registered with the Cayman Islands Aircraft Registry which are Gulfstream V, Gulfstream-VI, Bombardier-700, Dassault Falcon 7X and an Airbus A318. In addition, they hold a CAMO (Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation) approval which allows them to provide aircraft maintenance in accordance to their maintenance program. Our relationship with TAG Aviation goes back with the first aircraft was a Bombardier -700 being registered on March 3 2011.

CAACI and CEC are jointly marketing the Cayman Islands to the business and corporate aviation industry, promoting its robust regulatory environment, neutral tax status, sound legal and finance systems and first-world life style.

Article written by: Nicoela (Nikki) McCoy, Deputy Director-General of Economic Regulation & Administration Civil Aviation Authority of the Cayman Islands.