luftfartsoperatører

Luftfartsoperatør is a term used in Norwegian to describe an organization that conducts civil air transport operations and holds a valid air operator’s certificate (AOC) or equivalent license from the competent aviation authority. The operator is responsible for the safety and compliance of its operations, including aircraft, crews, maintenance, and flight operations.

Regulatory framework and licensing: In Norway and many other countries, air operators must obtain an AOC from the national aviation authority (for example, the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority, Luftfartstilsynet). In the European Union, operators must comply with EASA rules and hold an AOC with specified operations, while in other regions similar licensing exists under local authorities (such as FAA Part 119–135 in the United States). The AOC demonstrates the operator’s ability to meet safety and regulatory requirements and is subject to ongoing supervision, audits, and inspections.

Operations and responsibilities: The luftfartsoperatør plans and conducts flights, ensures crew licensing and training, manages flight operations including planning, dispatch, and fuel, and ensures airworthiness and ongoing maintenance. It implements a safety management system (SMS) and is responsible for compliance with national and international regulations. Operators may own aircraft or lease them and may provide passenger transport, cargo services, charter operations, or private/business aviation services.

Types and scope: Operators can be scheduled airlines, charter companies, cargo carriers, or private operators. They may operate domestically or internationally, and their activities are governed by the terms of their AOC and safety obligations. Oversight is carried out by the national aviation authority, with adherence to international standards set by bodies such as ICAO.