Friday 11 May 2012
The Commerce and Employment Department, on behalf of the States of Guernsey, and SGI Aviation have concluded an agreement for the development and operation of an aircraft registry in the Bailiwick of Guernsey.
The agreement establishes a unique public-private partnership, whereby the responsibility for the operational aspects of the public service of an aircraft registry will be outsourced to SGI Aviation as a private provider.
The Director of Civil Aviation of the Bailiwick of Guernsey, Fergus Woods, said:
"This is a great opportunity for Guernsey. It is not just about offering this one service; the presence of an aircraft registry will create an attractive environment for private enterprise to flourish and thereby contribute to the local economy."
The project is expected to result in significant financial benefits for the Guernsey community with potential revenue opportunities for the aviation and financial services sectors, with the associated positive impact on private sector employment.
Mr Woods said:
"We have envisaged the project as a long term strategic partnership between the States of Guernsey and SGI Aviation with an established strong commitment on both sides."
The initial development phase is expected to take approximately 14 - 18 months, after which the registry will become fully operational, with a launch date set for mid-2013. The day to day operation of the registry will be managed by SGI Guernsey, a subsidiary of SGI Aviation which will be incorporated in Guernsey specifically for this purpose early in 2013.
Wadick Chomyszyn, CEO of SGI Aviation said:
"We look forward to this prestigious opportunity, as it is truly one of a kind and is fully in line with SGI's long term business objectives".
The aircraft registry is expected to achieve 150 Guernsey registered aircraft by 2015. Resident aircraft owners and operators from the Channel Islands will form the initial primary group of users.
The Guernsey registry will differentiate itself from competitors through its unique tax advantages, quality of service, operational flexibility and targeted marketing. SGI intends to draw on its international network of inspectors and unique expertise to add value to the proposition.
The Registry activities include safety oversight of all aircraft, applying safety standards that are on a par with the highest in the world, which are those of the European Union and the United States of America. The registration prefix is anticipated to be the number '2', followed by four letters (e.g. '2-ABCD'), allowing unique and attractive letter combinations.
The agreement between the States of Guernsey and SGI Aviation was signed on 30 April 2012.
-ENDS-
Contact information:
Commerce & Employment Department
Raymond Falla House
PO Box 459, Longue Rue
St Martins
Guernsey GY1 6AF
Tel +44 1481 234567
