Bermuda Aircraft Registry, which is owned and managed by the Bermuda Civil Aviation Authority (BCAA, Stand C29), announced this week at EBACE that it has added a Dassault Falcon 8X as the 900th aircraft on its current registry. Covering around 2,000 aircraft during its 90-year existence, the registry includes both private and commercial aircraft that are domiciled all over the world. It is the oldest and largest offshore aircraft registry designed for aircraft operating under Article 83 bis agreements, which allows them to reap the benefits of being registered outside of their home countries.

Recently the registry has found competition from other countries with tax-neutral treatment of aircraft and yachts, which are often subject to high value-added taxes (VAT) and sales taxes in certain jurisdictions. The BCAA recently began a marketing program to increase awareness of its online registration process and customer service.  

"We strive to be flexible, transparent and responsive to make the process of registering an aircraft as quick and easy as possible, while maintaining the highest standards of regulations, professional service, and courtesy," said registry Director General Thomas Dunstan. "The Bermuda Registry has earned a solid reputation internationally," he continued. The BCAA website walks potential registry clients through the process, including crew licensing, regulation, and even online payment of fees for the program.

To place an aircraft on the registry, a person must be a UK national, Commonwealth citizen, or national of any European economic area state. Also qualifying are bodies incorporated in any part of the Commonwealth (including Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies) and have their registered office or principal place of business in any other part of the Commonwealth, or undertakings formed in accordance with the law of an European Economic Area state and have their registered office, central administration, or principal place of business within the European economic area. That said, there are plenty of entities that have been incorporated in Bermuda or one of the qualifying states to meet the above qualifications.