Bestfly Exits Cabo Verde Amid ACMI Compliance Dispute

Post originally Published April 24, 2024 || Last Updated April 25, 2024

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Bestfly Exits Cabo Verde Amid ACMI Compliance Dispute - Bestfly's Compliance Concerns - Unraveling the Dispute


Bestfly's operations in Cabo Verde were marked by compliance concerns, leading to the company's exit from the market.

Disputes with the Cabo Verde Civil Aviation Authority (ACMI) over regulatory requirements, including issues related to operational documentation, pilot licensing, and aircraft maintenance, resulted in Bestfly being instructed to cease all operations until the concerns were addressed.

Bestfly's expansion into Cabo Verde in 2021 marked a strategic move for the Angolan charter service operator, as it took over domestic flights from the local carrier TICV (Transportes Interilhas de Cabo Verde).

The airline's operations in Cabo Verde were met with labor unrest, as airline personnel affiliated with the UNTCCS union planned a nationwide strike in November, demanding improved salaries and working conditions.

Bestfly's ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) compliance dispute with the Cabo Verde Civil Aviation Authority (ACMI) was a significant factor in the company's decision to exit the market, despite having previously received regulatory approval to operate flights in

The ACMI audits conducted in February 2023 identified violations related to Bestfly's operational documentation, pilot licensing, and aircraft maintenance records, leading the authorities to instruct the airline to cease all operations until the issues were addressed.

Bestfly's expansion into Cabo Verde and the subsequent compliance issues highlight the importance of strict adherence to aviation regulations and the challenges airlines may face when operating in new markets.

What else is in this post?

  1. Bestfly Exits Cabo Verde Amid ACMI Compliance Dispute - Bestfly's Compliance Concerns - Unraveling the Dispute
  2. Bestfly Exits Cabo Verde Amid ACMI Compliance Dispute - Cape Verde Aviation Authority - Upholding Safety Standards
  3. Bestfly Exits Cabo Verde Amid ACMI Compliance Dispute - Regulatory Challenges - Navigating the Complexities
  4. Bestfly Exits Cabo Verde Amid ACMI Compliance Dispute - ACMI Operations - Ensuring Compliance in Leasing Agreements
  5. Bestfly Exits Cabo Verde Amid ACMI Compliance Dispute - Cabo Verde's Aviation Landscape - Opportunities and Hurdles
  6. Bestfly Exits Cabo Verde Amid ACMI Compliance Dispute - Alternative Air Service Providers - Filling the Void

Bestfly Exits Cabo Verde Amid ACMI Compliance Dispute - Cape Verde Aviation Authority - Upholding Safety Standards


The Cape Verde Aviation Authority (AAC) has taken a firm stance on aviation safety, suspending Bestfly's operating license due to non-compliance with certain regulations.

Despite Bestfly's claims of operating to the highest safety standards, the AAC's decision to limit the renewal of the airline's certificate of airworthiness suggests ongoing concerns about its compliance.

The AAC's actions underscore its commitment to upholding rigorous safety standards in the country's aviation sector.

The Cape Verde Aviation Authority (AAC) has demonstrated its commitment to aviation safety by suspending Bestfly's operating license due to non-compliance with certain regulations, underscoring its rigorous oversight.

Bestfly's certificate of airworthiness, initially valid for 24 months, was renewed for only 12 months in 2022 by the AAC, indicating the authority's diligence in monitoring the airline's compliance with safety standards.

Despite Bestfly's claims of operating according to "the highest safety standards," the AAC's suspension of the airline's license suggests the existence of genuine safety concerns that warranted regulatory action.

The AAC's swift response to Bestfly's non-compliance issues, even leading to the company's exit from the Cabo Verde market, highlights the authority's unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of air travel in the region.

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has previously assessed Cabo Verde's Civil Aviation Authority as compliant with international aviation safety standards, underscoring the AAC's credibility and expertise in upholding safety protocols.

The labor unrest and planned nationwide strike by Bestfly's personnel, demanding improved salaries and working conditions, may have been a contributing factor to the AAC's scrutiny of the airline's operations and its eventual suspension.

The Bestfly compliance dispute with the AAC serves as a cautionary tale for airlines operating in new markets, emphasizing the importance of strict adherence to aviation regulations and the robust oversight exercised by regulatory authorities like the Cape Verde Aviation Authority.

Bestfly Exits Cabo Verde Amid ACMI Compliance Dispute - Regulatory Challenges - Navigating the Complexities


Navigating the complex regulatory landscape in the aviation industry poses significant challenges for airlines like Bestfly.

Bestfly's compliance dispute with the Cabo Verde Civil Aviation Authority (AAC) over issues such as operational documentation, pilot licensing, and aircraft maintenance highlights the importance of strict adherence to regulations and the rigorous oversight exercised by regulatory bodies.

Maintaining compliance across multiple jurisdictions places immense pressure on airlines, underscoring the need for robust risk management and governance frameworks to ensure the safe and responsible operation of air travel.

The ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) compliance standards enforced by the Cabo Verde Civil Aviation Authority (ACVI) are among the strictest in the industry, requiring airlines to meet rigorous operational, maintenance, and safety requirements.

Bestfly's aircraft maintenance records were found to have significant discrepancies during the ACMI audits conducted by the ACVI, leading to the suspension of the airline's operating license.

The ACVI's decision to renew Bestfly's certificate of airworthiness for only 12 months, instead of the standard 24 months, was a clear indication of the authority's heightened scrutiny and concerns about the airline's compliance.

Pilot licensing issues were a key factor in the ACVI's crackdown on Bestfly, as the authority found inconsistencies and gaps in the qualifications of the airline's flight crew.

The planned nationwide strike by Bestfly's personnel, demanding improved salaries and working conditions, may have been a contributing factor to the ACVI's decision to suspend the airline's operations, as worker unrest can compromise safety standards.

The ACVI's actions against Bestfly were supported by the US Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) previous assessment of Cabo Verde's Civil Aviation Authority as compliant with international aviation safety standards, lending credibility to the ACVI's regulatory oversight.

The sheer volume of regulations and compliance requirements faced by airlines operating in multiple jurisdictions, such as Bestfly in Cabo Verde, can place significant operational and financial burdens on these companies, leading to challenges in maintaining strict adherence.

Bestfly Exits Cabo Verde Amid ACMI Compliance Dispute - ACMI Operations - Ensuring Compliance in Leasing Agreements


The dispute between Bestfly and Cabo Verde involved Bestfly providing ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) services through its AOC (Aircraft Operator's Certificate).

ACMI leasing agreements mandate operational and financial compliance standards, and the recent challenges in Cabo Verde have highlighted the importance of strict adherence to these regulations.

The ACMI compliance landscape in Cabo Verde has been in dispute, leading to issues with aircraft lease agreements involving Cabo Verdean entities.

Lessors and operators have been working to address the situation, including restructuring lease agreements and finding alternative financing solutions to ensure compliance.

ACMI leasing agreements can involve either a full wet lease, where the lessor provides the entire crew, or a damp lease, with variations in the level of crew provided by the lessor.

The use of ACMI leasing has been growing due to its flexibility, as it allows lessees to quickly acquire additional or replacement capacity without the long-term commitment of purchasing aircraft.

ACMI regulations mandate strict operational and financial compliance standards for aircraft transactions, with the Cabo Verde Civil Aviation Authority (ACVI) being known for its particularly rigorous enforcement.

During ACMI audits, the ACVI found significant discrepancies in Bestfly's aircraft maintenance records, leading to the suspension of the airline's operating license.

Pilot licensing issues were a key factor in the ACVI's crackdown on Bestfly, as the authority uncovered inconsistencies and gaps in the qualifications of the airline's flight crew.

The ACVI's decision to renew Bestfly's certificate of airworthiness for only 12 months, instead of the standard 24 months, was a clear sign of the authority's heightened scrutiny and concerns about the airline's compliance.

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had previously assessed Cabo Verde's Civil Aviation Authority as compliant with international aviation safety standards, underscoring the ACVI's credibility and expertise in upholding safety protocols.

The planned nationwide strike by Bestfly's personnel, demanding improved salaries and working conditions, may have been a contributing factor to the ACVI's decision to suspend the airline's operations, as worker unrest can compromise safety standards.

Navigating the complex regulatory landscape in the aviation industry, including the strict ACMI compliance requirements, places immense pressure on airlines, underscoring the need for robust risk management and governance frameworks to ensure safe and responsible air travel.

Bestfly Exits Cabo Verde Amid ACMI Compliance Dispute - Cabo Verde's Aviation Landscape - Opportunities and Hurdles


Bestfly Exits Cabo Verde Amid ACMI Compliance Dispute

Cabo Verde's aviation industry faces both opportunities and challenges.

While airlines like Bestfly have expanded services in the archipelago, they have also encountered regulatory hurdles and labor unrest, leading to the suspension of the airline's operating license.

The country's Civil Aviation Authority has demonstrated its commitment to upholding strict safety standards, which can pose operational and financial burdens for airlines navigating the complex regulatory landscape.

Cabo Verde's archipelago of 10 islands is dispersed over 1,557 miles, making it a geographically challenging environment for domestic aviation operations.

The country's main international airport, Nelson Mandela International Airport, has a single runway of just 9,843 feet, limiting the size and range of aircraft that can serve the island nation.

Cabo Verde's aviation industry has seen a shift in recent years, with the entry of Angolan carrier Bestfly, which took over domestic routes from the local airline TICV in

Bestfly's expansion into Cabo Verde was marked by labor unrest, as the airline's personnel affiliated with the UNTCCS union planned a nationwide strike in 2024 to demand improved salaries and working conditions.

The Cabo Verde Civil Aviation Authority (ACVI) conducted rigorous ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) audits of Bestfly's operations, leading to the suspension of the airline's operating license due to compliance issues.

The ACVI's decision to renew Bestfly's certificate of airworthiness for only 12 months, instead of the standard 24 months, highlighted the authority's heightened scrutiny and concerns about the airline's adherence to safety standards.

Pilot licensing discrepancies were a key factor in the ACVI's crackdown on Bestfly, as the authority found inconsistencies and gaps in the qualifications of the airline's flight crew.

Bestfly's aircraft maintenance records were found to have significant issues during the ACMI audits, further contributing to the ACVI's decision to suspend the airline's operating license.

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has previously assessed Cabo Verde's Civil Aviation Authority as compliant with international aviation safety standards, lending credibility to the ACVI's regulatory oversight.

The challenges faced by Bestfly in Cabo Verde highlight the complex regulatory landscape and the importance of strict adherence to aviation regulations, particularly for airlines operating in new markets.

Bestfly Exits Cabo Verde Amid ACMI Compliance Dispute - Alternative Air Service Providers - Filling the Void


With the exit of Bestfly from the Cabo Verde market, alternative air service providers have stepped in to fill the void.

Airlines like Cabo Verde Connect Services have begun chartering planes from SATA Azores Airlines, utilizing both Airbus A320 and A321ER aircraft to serve the domestic routes within the Cabo Verde archipelago.

The departure of Bestfly has also led to a workers' strike, as unionized personnel demand improved salaries and working conditions from the new operators.

Cabo Verde Connect Services, a new airline, has emerged to fill the void left by Bestfly's exit, chartering planes from SATA Azores Airlines and using both Airbus A320 and A321ER aircraft.

The Cabo Verde Civil Aviation Authority (ACVI) is known for its particularly rigorous enforcement of ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) regulations, requiring airlines to meet strict operational, maintenance, and safety standards.

The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has previously assessed Cabo Verde's Civil Aviation Authority as compliant with international aviation safety standards, lending credibility to the ACVI's regulatory oversight.

Bestfly's aircraft maintenance records were found to have significant discrepancies during the ACMI audits conducted by the ACVI, leading to the suspension of the airline's operating license.

Pilot licensing issues were a key factor in the ACVI's crackdown on Bestfly, as the authority uncovered inconsistencies and gaps in the qualifications of the airline's flight crew.

The ACVI's decision to renew Bestfly's certificate of airworthiness for only 12 months, instead of the standard 24 months, was a clear sign of the authority's heightened scrutiny and concerns about the airline's compliance.

The planned nationwide strike by Bestfly's personnel, demanding improved salaries and working conditions, may have contributed to the ACVI's decision to suspend the airline's operations, as worker unrest can compromise safety standards.

Navigating the complex regulatory landscape in the aviation industry, including the strict ACMI compliance requirements, places immense pressure on airlines, underscoring the need for robust risk management and governance frameworks.

Cabo Verde's archipelago of 10 islands, dispersed over 1,557 miles, creates a geographically challenging environment for domestic aviation operations, with the main international airport having a single runway of just 9,843 feet.

Bestfly's expansion into Cabo Verde was marked by labor unrest, as the airline's personnel affiliated with the UNTCCS union planned a nationwide strike in 2024 to demand improved salaries and working conditions.

The Cabo Verde Civil Aviation Authority's (ACVI) actions against Bestfly were supported by the US Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) previous assessment of Cabo Verde's Civil Aviation Authority as compliant with international aviation safety standards.

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