The Austrian Austro Control confirms that DHL Express would like to set up a new cargo airline in Austria. The application for an AOC and an operating license is already in preparation. The aim of the newly founded airline is primarily to serve the intra-European market.

After an intensive evaluation process, DHL Express chose Austria as its location. A major factor in this was the high international reputation enjoyed by the aviation authorities in Austria, Austro Control and BMK. In the course of Brexit, more than 100 easyJet aircraft have already been successfully placed on the Austrian aircraft register as part of a similar process. After receiving the AOC application from DHL, Austro Control will initiate the inspection process on the basis of the relevant EU regulations. If the process is successful, the new airline would like to relocate its headquarters and key personnel near Vienna and would fly on its aircraft under the Austrian national emblem with Austrian registration.

“We are delighted that DHL Express has decided to apply for an AOC to Austro Control. Decisive for this was therefore the excellent international reputation, which we have earned not least through the takeover of easyJet on the Austrian aircraft register and of course the high quality of the domestic aviation authorities in the BMK and at Austro Control ”, says Austro Control Managing Director Valerie Hackl a first reaction.

As part of this AOC process, the focus is on the following examination focal points:

• How is the operation, how are the management systems organized
• Which aircraft should be operated?
• Do pilots have the required qualifications
• Which approach and departure procedures are used
• How are the safety and quality systems designed in particular?

Once the approval has been granted, the next step is the supervision of the company. Specifically, this means ongoing reviews and inspections. The Austro Control inspectors check the operational and technical operation as well as the maintenance of the aircraft. For Austro Control, once the required documents have been received, an extensive and intensive testing process begins, which should be completed in a few months.