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The civil aviation authority decided to annul Air Moldova’s air operator certificate (AOC), based on the findings of the Certification Commission. The decision followed the determination that the air operator, which has been undergoing an accelerated restructuring process for more than half a year, failed to provide evidence that the identified non-compliances had been remedied within the timeframe set by regulatory documents.
• The civil aviation authority annulled Air Moldova’s AOC based on the Certification Commission’s conclusions.
• The operator did not provide proof that the identified non-compliances were corrected within the prescribed deadline.
• Air Moldova reportedly had no active aircraft available, which is a critical breach of minimum AOC requirements.
• A prior 6-month temporary suspension did not lead to positive changes.
• Revocation removes the right to operate commercial flights, but the article notes the option to pursue a new certificate under national rules.
Minimum AOC requirements and the lack of aircraft
In addition, Air Moldova reportedly did not have a single active aircraft at its disposal, which constitutes a critical breach of the minimum requirements for obtaining an AOC. The previous temporary suspension of the certificate for six months—granted under the Air Code to allow time to identify a suitable aircraft—did not result in positive changes.
What revocation means for Air Moldova
The withdrawal of the certificate means Air Moldova is now deprived of the right to operate commercial flights, putting its future in the aviation industry at risk. However, the door to a possible resumption of operations remains open: the company may initiate the process of obtaining a new certificate, following national rules and standards.
Standards, compliance, and the regulator’s stance
This case highlights the importance of strict compliance with aviation standards and regulations, as well as the consequences of violating them for airlines. The civil aviation authority demonstrated openness to dialogue, repeatedly inviting Air Moldova representatives to commission meetings; however, these attempts did not lead to a successful resolution of the issue.
Date mentioned in the article:
22.02.2024
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What to do: a practical checklist (for travelers planning flights)
Verify the carrier and flight status
If an airline’s AOC is revoked, commercial operations cannot be performed. Before booking or flying, double-check official updates and your ticket seller’s notifications.
Keep all documents
Save e-tickets, receipts, confirmations, and any correspondence. This helps if you need to request changes/refunds via an agent, bank, insurer, or legal support.
Plan alternative routing early
Consider other airlines, connections, or departures from nearby airports. The earlier you build a “Plan B,” the lower the risk of extra costs and stress.
1-day “itinerary”: the compliance storyline in one day
1) Address identified non-compliances and provide evidence within the deadline set by regulatory documents.
2) Ensure access to an operational aircraft, treated as a minimum baseline for AOC requirements in the article.
3) Maintain working dialogue with the regulator/commission (the authority reportedly invited the operator to multiple meetings).
2-day “itinerary”: the restart option mentioned in the article
Day 1
Operate on the assumption that commercial flights cannot be performed after revocation, and focus on stabilizing operations and compliance posture.
Day 2
Initiate the process of obtaining a new certificate under national rules and standards—the option the text says remains available for a possible return to operations.
How to “get there”: from revocation to a formal path back
The article notes that while revocation removes the right to operate commercial flights, a formal route remains: initiating the process to obtain a new certificate in line with national rules and standards.
FAQ: AOC revocation and what it implies
What is an Air Operator Certificate (AOC)?
It is an authorization confirming that an operator meets the requirements to conduct commercial air operations under applicable rules.
What does “revocation/annulment” mean?
It means the certificate is no longer valid and the operator loses the right to perform commercial flights until a new certificate is obtained.
Why was the AOC revoked in this case?
The text states that the operator did not provide evidence of correcting identified non-compliances within the required timeframe.
How important is having an operational aircraft?
The article describes the lack of any active aircraft as a critical breach of minimum AOC requirements.
Was the certificate suspended before it was revoked?
Yes. The text mentions a prior temporary suspension of six months to allow the operator to identify a suitable aircraft.
Did the suspension lead to improvements?
According to the article, the suspension did not result in positive changes.
Can the airline resume operations?
The article says the company may initiate the process of obtaining a new certificate under national rules and standards.
What did the regulator say about dialogue?
It is stated that the authority repeatedly invited Air Moldova representatives to commission meetings, but the issue was not resolved successfully.
What’s the main takeaway for airlines?
Strict compliance with aviation standards and deadlines is essential, and violations can have direct operational consequences.
Does revocation automatically mean the company is “closed”?
Not necessarily. The text mentions a pathway: applying for a new certificate in line with national requirements.
Who made the decision, according to the article?
The decision is attributed to the civil aviation authority, based on the Certification Commission’s findings.
How can travelers reduce risk when booking in uncertain situations?
Book with reliable sellers, review refund/change terms, keep all confirmations, and monitor official updates close to departure.
