Singapore’s CAAS ANR-129 Regulations: What Business Aviation Operators Need to Know
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Singapore’s CAAS has implemented new regulatory requirements under ANR-129, the Foreign Operator’s Permit (FOP) Regulations, effective February 1, 2026. These regulations replace the current Air Navigation Order (ANO) and establish a clearer, more structured framework for foreign commercial air transport (CAT) and aerial work (AW) operations into and out of Singapore.
“The implementation of ANR-129 represents a significant shift in how Singapore regulates foreign operators. We’re advising all our clients to review their operations immediately to ensure compliance,” said Syed Hussain, Assistant Manager – Operations, Universal Aviation Singapore.
Who Needs a Foreign Operator’s Permit (FOP) Under ANR-129?
Under ANR-129, foreign Air Operator Certificate (AOC) holders conducting CAT operations into Singapore require a Foreign Operator’s Permit when the aircraft is covered by their AOC, including non-revenue flights.
Foreign AOC holders need an FOP for:
- Charter flights, both revenue and non-revenue
- Passenger and cargo operations, including medevac flights
- Technical stops and positioning flights, even if no passengers or cargo are offloaded
- Aerial work operations if the aircraft takes off or lands in Singapore, or conducts aerial work over Singaporean airspace
“Many operators are surprised to learn that positioning flights and technical stops now require permits. This catches a lot of people off guard,” notes Hussain.
Do Part 91 Operators Need to Comply?
Private Part 91 operators flying non-commercial missions without an AOC are exempt from the FOP requirement. However, if an operator holds an AOC and the aircraft is covered by it, they must comply, even for non-revenue ferry or positioning flights.
Who Is Exempt from the Permit Requirement?
The following operations do not require an FOP:
- Emergency landings
- Diplomatic flights (with diplomatic clearance)
- Alternate aerodrome landings
- Maintenance flights with no passengers or cargo (for maintenance purposes only)
- Overflights
New Compliance Requirements for Operators
FOP Holder Responsibilities Operators granted an FOP must comply with ongoing reporting and regulatory obligations. “The notification requirements are quite strict. Operators need to stay on top of any changes to their operations or face significant penalties,” advises Hussain.
Requirements include notifying CAAS of changes to:
- Company name
- Principal place of business address
- Operational specifications
- Appointed representative
- Aircraft deletions
Representative Requirement All FOP holders must appoint a designated representative to liaise with CAAS. “The representative requirement is critical. CAAS wants a single point of contact who understands the operator’s business and can respond quickly to regulatory inquiries,” explains Syed Hussain, Assistant Manager – Operations, Universal Aviation Singapore.
Changes must be reported at least 14 days in advance, or within 5 working days if due to circumstances beyond reasonable control.
Financial Penalties for Non-Compliance
CAAS will impose significant financial penalties for violations. “These aren’t small fines. At S$20,000 per violation, non-compliance can get expensive very quickly. It’s much cheaper to get it right the first time,” warns Hussain.
| Violation | Maximum Penalty |
| Operating unapproved flight types or non-compliance with permit conditions | S$20,000 per violation |
| Using aircraft not covered by the permit | S$15,000 per flight |
| Failure to maintain representative or notify changes | S$10,000 per violation |
Implementation Status
ANR-129 took effect February 1, 2026. “Existing Operations Permits remain valid until their original expiry dates, which gives operators some breathing room during the transition,” notes Hussain.
Key Takeaways for Business Aviation Operators
“The 28-day application timeline is non-negotiable. We strongly recommend operators submit applications well in advance to avoid any last-minute complications,” advises Syed Hussain, Assistant Manager – Operations, Universal Aviation Singapore.
Critical points:
- Foreign AOC holders with aircraft covered by their AOC must obtain an FOP
- Part 91 private operators without an AOC are exempt
- Applications must be submitted at least 28 days before operations
- Significant financial penalties apply for non-compliance
Next Steps
“Don’t wait until the last minute. If you’re unsure about your requirements, reach out to your trip support provider immediately. The penalties for getting this wrong are too high to risk,” advises Hussain.
