The Department of Civil Aviation of Aruba (DCAA) has revoked the air operator certificate (AOC) of Bestfly Aircraft Management Aruba, effectively ending the company’s authorization to conduct commercial flight operations under the Aruban flag. The decision, finalized on May 11, follows a brief period of regulatory scrutiny that began with a suspension of the company’s operating privileges on May 5.
An AOC is a critical legal requirement for any entity wishing to operate commercial aircraft, serving as a guarantee that the operator possesses the necessary personnel, assets, and systems to ensure the safety of passengers and crew. The revocation of the Bestfly Aircraft Management Aruba AOC revoked means the company can no longer sell charter services or operate scheduled flights commercially within the jurisdiction of the DCAA.
In an official statement, the DCAA characterized the move as a regulatory enforcement action necessitated by the interests of aviation safety and compliance oversight. The authority emphasized that the action aligns with its broader mission to maintain rigorous operational standards and adhere to both Aruba’s domestic civil aviation framework and international safety benchmarks.
A Timeline of Regulatory Action
The path to the full revocation was swift. On May 5, the DCAA first suspended the certificate, a move typically intended to freeze operations while regulators conduct a deeper dive into safety protocols or documentation gaps. This suspension provided a window for further regulatory review and oversight actions to determine if the operator could be brought back into compliance.
By May 11, the DCAA determined that a full revocation was the necessary course of action. The authority stated, “This occurrence reflects the DCAA’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety, operational oversight, and regulatory compliance in accordance with Aruba’s civil aviation framework and international aviation standards.”
The immediate consequence of this decision has been a shift in how the company’s assets are utilized. Aircraft that were previously operated commercially under the ‘BFY’ code have been transitioned to private operations. While these aircraft may still fly, they are no longer permitted to engage in commercial charter activities, meaning they cannot be hired out to the public or corporate clients for a fee.
Fleet Status and Operational Shifts
The impact of the revocation is felt across a diverse fleet of long-range business jets and regional aircraft. Prior to the suspension, Bestfly Aircraft Management Aruba operated several high-value assets, including Global Express jets and a Global 5000 that recently entered service. The fleet also included a G450 and a G550, along with an E175 utilized for group charters, particularly for the oil and gas sector.
With the loss of the AOC, these aircraft have ceased using the ‘BFY’ callsign and are now operating using their individual aircraft registrations. Beyond the active fleet, the company has a significant number of aircraft currently inactive or stored globally, reflecting a period of transition or contraction for the operator.
| Aircraft Type | Current Status | Location/Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Global Express / G5000 | Active (Private) | Transferred from commercial to private |
| E175 | Active (Private) | Formerly used for oil and gas charters |
| Citation Excel | Inactive | Parked at Luanda 4 De Fevereiro |
| Global 450 | Stored | Fort Lauderdale Executive |
| Global 550 | Stored | Riga and Vienna locations |
The Global Reach of the Bestfly Group
Bestfly Aircraft Management Aruba is a subsidiary of the larger Bestfly group based in Angola. Founded in 2009 by Nuno Pereira and Alcinda Pereira, who serve as chief executive and executive director respectively, the group has historically provided a wide array of aviation services, including ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) leases, ground handling, and public service operations (PSO).
The challenges facing the Aruban unit appear to mirror a broader trend of fleet restructuring within the parent organization. In Angola, the group has retired several ATR72-600 aircraft. Records indicate that these aircraft were reregistered in jurisdictions such as Guernsey and the Isle of Man and are currently parked at Johannesburg O.R. Tambo.
The group’s presence in Cabo Verde also remains in a state of uncertainty. Bestfly Cabo Verde has seen an ATR72-600 stored at São Vicente since late 2023, leaving the current operational status of that specific unit unclear.
Industry Implications and Safety Oversight
For the aviation industry, the DCAA’s decisive action underscores the increasing pressure on small-to-medium operators to maintain strict adherence to International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards. When a regulator revokes an AOC, it is often a signal that the gap between the operator’s current safety management system and the required legal standard has become too wide to bridge through simple corrective action.
The transition of aircraft to private operations is a common strategy for operators facing regulatory hurdles, as private flights are subject to different oversight rules than commercial charters. However, this move significantly limits the revenue-generating potential of the fleet.
Those seeking further information on aviation regulations in the region can refer to the official guidelines provided by the Government of Aruba regarding civil aviation safety.
The next phase for Bestfly Aircraft Management Aruba will likely involve either a complete restructuring of its safety and compliance departments to apply for a new certificate or a permanent shift toward purely private aircraft management. The DCAA has not indicated whether the company will be permitted to reapply for an AOC in the near future.
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