Get an Air Operator Certificate and air service licence (start an airline or charter)
Kenya Civil Aviation Authority · sources read 3 Oct 2026
Get an air service licence (ASL) from KCAA first, then go through KCAA's five-phase AOC certification, starting at least 90 days before you plan to fly. The ASL alone takes at least 120 days, and the AOC inspection fee starts at KSh 100,000.
- Fee
- KSh 100,000AOC initial inspection, aircraft up to 5,700 kgKSh 150,000AOC initial inspection, aircraft 5,701 to 34,000 kgKSh 200,000AOC initial inspection, aircraft 34,001 to 90,000 kgKSh 250,000AOC initial inspection, aircraft over 90,000 kgKSh 30,000Approval of the operations manual
- How long
- The air service licence takes at least 120 days, counted from when KCAA gets your complete application and fees.
- Where
- KCAA Air Transport Department, Aviation House, Tower B, 2nd floor, JKIA; ad hoc permits online on AATIS
What you need
- ASL application form (new, renewal, variation or temporary), from kcaa.or.ke
- Details of shareholders and directors
- Proof of tax compliance
- Pre-Application Statement of Intent (Form AC-OPS001), which KCAA gives you
- For a leased aircraft: the signed lease agreement plus the aircraft's registration, airworthiness and insurance certificates
Steps
- Apply for an air service licence (ASL) first. KCAA won't grant an AOC until you hold one.
- Take the complete ASL application and fees to the KCAA Air Transport Department, Aviation House, Tower B, 2nd floor, JKIA.
- At least 90 days before you plan to start flying, tell KCAA you intend to apply for an AOC. They will meet you and give you the PASI form.
- Go through the five phases: pre-application, formal application, document evaluation, demonstration and inspection, then certification.
- For ad hoc flight permits, create a login on KCAA's AATIS system (aatis.kcaa.or.ke) and apply there.
Watch out
- Your ASL application may be published in the Kenya Gazette and go to a public hearing before KCAA decides.
- An AOC is valid for 12 months, so plan to renew it every year.
- Approval to fly a leased aircraft takes at least 14 days after you submit a complete application with fees.
Who can apply
- Any operator that wants to fly paying passengers or cargo (commercial air transport) needs a valid AOC.
- Your company must be registered in Kenya, with a registered office and permanent premises here.
- At least 51% of the company's shares must be held by Kenyans.
Official sources (6)
- Air Operator Certificate kcaa.or.ke · read 3 Oct 2026
- CAA-AC-OPS001D: Certification of an Air Operator kcaa.or.ke · read 3 Oct 2026
- Air Service Licensing kcaa.or.ke · read 3 Oct 2026
- Adhoc Permits kcaa.or.ke · read 3 Oct 2026
- Aircraft Lease Approvals kcaa.or.ke · read 3 Oct 2026
- AIC 08/23: Charges for Air Navigation Services and Regulatory Fees kcaa.or.ke · read 3 Oct 2026