This page contains information for foreign air carriers based in countries outside the European Union (EU) or the European Free Trade Area (EFTA) regarding scheduled flights.
Applications must be submitted not later than thirty days before the initial flight.
Third Country Operators (TCO)
On 26.05.2014 the new rules for TCO entered into force. By the end of the transition phase, which lasts until 26.11.2016, all TCOs engaged in scheduled or non-scheduled commercial air transport (including Wet-lease or Codeshare-arrangements with EU/EFTA operators) must hold a safety authorisation issued by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 452/2014.
During the transition period TCOs must, as part of the process to obtain operating permits from EU/EFTA Member States, apply with EASA for a TCO autorisation in order to ensure that the EASA can perform the TCO authorisation process before the end of the transition period. EU/EFTA Member States reserve the right to refuse the issuance of permits to TCOs who cannot demonstrate that they have applied for a TCO authorisation.
For further information please visit the EASA website.
Guidelines
Application forms
Further information
Contact
Federal Office of Civil Aviation FOCA
Traffic rights
Tel: +41 58 465 42 98
or +41 58 465 91 25
Fax: +41 58 465 53 66
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday
08.15-12.00 / 13.00-16.30
Please note: Applications submitted outside normal office hours cannot be dealt with immediately.