It shouldn’t come as a surprise for the Registry of Aruba to be exhibiting at EBACE, at least not when you consider that nearly one third of the aircraft on the registry are either European-owned or -based aircraft. The registry, which was established in 1995, offers a boutique service approach, according to Alexandria Colindres, the privately managed registry’s director of business development. “We are always available to our customers, our company culture is to operate 24/7 so that we may be able to accommodate any sudden operational change.”

The full registration process on the Aruba registry (Booth X110) is rather clear cut, she explained, and in most cases can be achieved in 24 to 48 hours. “There have been occasions where we’ve accomplished an aircraft registration, including the airworthiness inspection in a weekend,” Colindres told AIN, adding that such expedited service is a team effort between the registry, the operator, and the airworthiness inspectors. The Aruban Department of Civil Aviation (DCA) recognizes that the preparation of a minimum equipment list (MEL) for submission can take a considerable period of time, therefore it will grant permission for private operators to temporarily use the master minimum equipment list (MMEL). Permission to use the MMEL is issued for up to 90 days from date of issue, after which the MEL is required to be submitted to the DCA.

In addition to ease of registration, the registry offers certain other benefits. Besides Canada and Ireland, Aruba is the only other country for which its registered aircraft can operate under a U.S. operator certificate, and Aruba's good standing with the U.S. has seen its registry rated Category 1 by the FAA since 1995.

The Registry of Aruba expects to launch the latest version of its aircraft registration management system this summer, which will allow users not only to access their aircraft records, but will permit them to track the registration process, submit application forms online, and live chat with the registry's experts, among other enhancements.