The government of Guernsey has provisionally approved its aircraft registry (2-REG) to issue air operators certificates (AOCs). Legislation confirming the move is due to take effect beginning March 9, 2016, paving the way for business aircraft operators, as well as commercial airlines, to operate Guernsey-registered aircraft commercially. The new policy will differentiate Guernsey from offshore registries like that of the Isle of Man, which cover only aircraft operated for private use.

“Our business-to-business approach has won over major lessors, and this is the logical next step in the development of our portfolio,” commented Gus Paterson, Guernsey’s director of civil aviation. “We will bring to market an innovative and focused AOC that sets high safety and operational standards and is built upon our unique commercial philosophy.”

Guernsey, which is one of the Channel Islands, is a British Crown Dependency that is independent of the UK and outside the European Union. The 2-REG registry, which is run by the government of Guernsey in partnership with Seabury Group company SGI Guernsey, was formed in December 2013 and is based on the regulatory standards of the U.S. and European authorities.