Agreement between Department of Civil Aviation of Aruba (DCA-A) and Civil Aviation Authority of the Republic of San Marino (SM-CAA)

The agreement represents an important step in Aruba's ongoing commitment to maintaining the highest international aviation safety standards and strengthening its position as a reliable hub for international aviation operations.

The signed agreement creates the possibility for aircraft registered in the Republic of San Marino to operate commercially under an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) issued by the Department of Civil Aviation of Aruba. This expands the opportunities for operators holding an Aruban AOC to utilize aircraft registered in San Marino while maintaining effective regulatory oversight and rigorous safety standards. The agreement also confirms that there is no transfer of regulatory functions or responsibilities between the two authorities.

On May 15, 2026, Aruba and San Marino previously signed an agreement allowing aircraft registered in Aruba to operate under a San Marino AOC. Together, the two agreements establish a comprehensive framework to facilitate operations between the two aircraft registries, ensuring that regulatory oversight responsibilities remain clearly defined by each competent authority.

Both agreements comply with Article 83 bis of the 1944 Chicago Convention of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), which enables contracting states to establish cooperation arrangements to strengthen safety supervision in international aviation.

Minister of Tourism, Transport and Labor, Wendrick Cicilia, emphasized: "Aviation safety continues to be one of the highest priorities of the Government of Aruba. This agreement confirms our commitment to international cooperation, regulatory excellence in alignment with ICAO standards, and the strengthening of our civil aviation sector's international reputation."

Under the agreement, the two authorities will coordinate and cooperate closely on safety supervision activities, hold regular technical meetings to discuss operational and airworthiness issues, exchange information from inspections and audits, facilitate on-site inspections, and maintain official points of contact to ensure seamless communication.

The agreement is valid for an initial period of three years, with the possibility of renewal by mutual agreement.

Minister Cicilia concluded that the signing of the agreement reflects the vision of the Government of Aruba to continue investing in a modern, safe, and internationally respected civil aviation system, thereby enhancing international connectivity, economic opportunities, and Aruba's standing as a trusted partner in global aviation.