Regulations and Government
EASA Updates Third Country Operator Rules
EASA cleans, clarifiess, removes inconsistencies, and improves coherence of third-country-operator requirements.
business aircraft in flight
EASA has updated its Third Country Operator (TCO) requirements by cleaning, clarifying, and removing inconsistencies, and improving coherence. (Photo: David McIntosh)

EASA has updated its Third Country Operator (TCO) requirements, which apply to non-European-registered aircraft operators conducting commercial flights into, within, and out of any European Union nation. Such flights include unscheduled business aircraft charters. Private flights remain exempt and TCO authorization is not required for operators overflying EU nations without intending to land.

The agency's revisions, effective with TCO authorization applications submitted after mid-April, cover three broad areas: technical requirements and administrative procedures; acceptable means of compliance and guidance material; and TCO authorization procedures. EASA emphasized that the updates are intended to enhance understanding of the current rules, not to fundamentally change them.