The Gibraltar Aircraft Registry has taken a significant step towards becoming operational following a successful Industry Briefing Day held at the Sunborn Hotel. The event, organised by the Gibraltar Aircraft Registry in collaboration with the Gibraltar Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), brought together local professional services firms and international aviation stakeholders to showcase the opportunities that the new registry will create for Gibraltar’s economy and aviation sector.
Government Support for a New Industry
The event was opened by Christian Santos MP, Minister with responsibility for Commercial Aviation, who reiterated the Government’s commitment to the project. He emphasized the opportunities the Registry is expected to create for Gibraltar’s professional services sector, including legal, corporate, financial and aviation-related services. Mr Santos described the initiative as the introduction of a potentially new industry for Gibraltar and encouraged local businesses to support its development.
International Expertise Behind the Project
Attendees also heard from Sir Jorge Colindres, owner of Aviation Registry Group and the Gibraltar Aircraft Registry. Sir Jorge highlighted the success of comparable aircraft registries established in Aruba and San Marino and expressed confidence that Gibraltar is well-positioned to achieve similar results. He identified Gibraltar’s established financial services sector, common law legal framework, political stability and English-speaking environment as key advantages that make the jurisdiction attractive to aircraft owners and operators.
Registration Framework Explained
Participants received detailed presentations from the Gibraltar Civil Aviation Authority and Registry officials covering regulatory oversight, eligibility requirements and the registration process. The regulatory framework and the relationship between the Gibraltar Civil Aviation Authority and the Gibraltar Aircraft Registry were explained by Mr. Chris Purkiss, the Director General of the Authority. Mrs. Lindy Castillo, Director of the Gibraltar Aircraft Registry, provided guidance on who can register aircraft and the categories of aircraft that will be accepted onto the Registry.
The Gibraltar Aircraft Registry represents an important addition to Gibraltar’s aviation infrastructure and forms part of ongoing efforts to diversify the jurisdiction’s economy while leveraging its established strengths as an international financial and professional services centre.
