This provision has eased the possibility of the island becoming a centre for Aircraft registration, which comprises several advantages for the aviation market.
According to the Associate of Conyers Dill & Pearman (Mauritius) Limited Nicolas Richard, the country took off as a platform of choice for the structuring of aircraft finance since the launch of the Mauritian Global Business sector two decades ago.
“Aircraft registered in Mauritius enjoy global acceptance and respect for their high standard of safety and safe operation. The Department of Civil Aviation accepts all aircraft with Type Certificates from major Airworthiness Authorities and will also validate foreign flight crew licences being issued according to ICAO standards,” he stated.
“The Mauritian registration mark (3B followed by three letters) is seen as a neutral mark as opposed to major European marks or the American ‘N’ mark which might invite unwelcome attention if the aircraft is operated in certain jurisdictions which are unfriendly towards those countries,” added Richard. Some other advantages of Mauritius as a centre for aircraft registration include the competitive fees offered by the DCA and the country’s strategic time zone position (GMT +4); which allows for the conduct of business with Asian, European, Middle-East and African clients.
He concludes that the African aviation market is growing exponentially and is set to continue for the foreseeable future with Airbus indicating that Africa will required 1,270 new aircraft in the next 20-year period worth about $ 80 billion.