As Antigua’s aviation industry prepares for the 2026 International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) audit, a pressing need for regulatory precision has emerged. With over a decade of experience as a Corporate Aviation Service Provider, our company has witnessed the sector’s evolution firsthand. From establishing FBO 2000, which set a benchmark for excellence in Antigua, St. Kitts, and Nevis, to its acquisition by global leader Signature Flight Support, the journey has been transformative. Today, equipped with the region’s largest corporate aviation hangar and the logistical capacity to cater to ultra-wealthy clients, we are poised to elevate the industry once more. However, world-class infrastructure alone is insufficient without robust regulation. A critical issue lies in the unique land ownership structure surrounding Runway 10, where 90% of the land is privately owned. This anomaly, coupled with the absence of a “Registration of a Difference” filed with ICAO, creates a regulatory grey area that jeopardizes aviation insurance and operational compliance. As Antigua operates on a decommissioned US Air Base while being a full ICAO member, the implications of private land ownership within an airport have yet to be fully addressed. The 2026 ICAO audit demands clarity and the establishment of proper regulatory procedures to ensure safety, security, and international trust. Antigua’s aviation sector must now harmonize its assets and history with the regulatory discipline required to meet global standards.
Setting the Standard: Why Antigua’s Aviation Future Demands Regulatory Precision
