Aircraft Station Licence
The Aircraft Station Licence is required by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) for the installation and operation of radio communication equipment on board Singapore registered aircraft. The licence is valid for 5 years, with processing typically completed immediately upon payment.
- Validity
- 5 years
- Processing time
- Immediate Upon Payment
- Issuing authority
- INFOCOMM MEDIA DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (IMDA)
Need help applying for this licence?
We handle the full application — document prep, agency liaison, follow-up — alongside your incorporation.
Who needs the Aircraft Station Licence
This licence applies to Singapore businesses registered under the following SSIC industry codes:
What's involved in getting the Aircraft Station Licence
The scope of the application — what must be in place, how the agency reviews, and where applications typically stall.
What this licence allows the business to do
The Aircraft Station Licence permits the installation and operation of radio communication equipment on Singapore registered aircraft. This is essential for ensuring that aircraft can communicate effectively during flights, which is critical for safety and operational efficiency.
What must be in place before the licence can be granted
Before the Aircraft Station Licence can be issued, several prerequisites must be satisfied. These include obtaining approval from the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore (CAAS), which ensures that the equipment meets safety and operational standards. Additionally, a copy of this approval must be submitted along with an Equipment Information List detailing the specifications of the radio communication equipment intended for use. This documentation is crucial for the agency's assessment.
How the agency reviews and decides
The Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) reviews the submitted documentation, including the CAAS approval and the Equipment Information List. The agency's review process is designed to ensure that all equipment complies with regulatory standards and is suitable for use in aviation. Given the critical nature of aviation communications, the review is thorough to maintain safety in air travel.
Common reasons applications stall
Applications for the Aircraft Station Licence can face delays for several reasons. One common issue is the lack of proper CAAS approval or incomplete documentation, which can lead to rejection or requests for additional information. Additionally, discrepancies in the Equipment Information List, such as missing details or incorrect specifications, can also cause applications to stall. Ensuring that all documentation is accurate and complete before submission can help mitigate these risks.
Required documents and prerequisites
Items the applicant typically needs ready before submitting:
- Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore Approval
- A copy of the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore Approval
- Equipment Information List
- A copy of the Equipment Information List
Aircraft Station Licence FAQ
Do I need this licence to start operating?
Yes, the Aircraft Station Licence is mandatory for any business intending to install and operate radio communication equipment on Singapore registered aircraft. Without this licence, operations cannot legally commence.
What can my business do once licensed?
Once licensed, your business can legally install and operate radio communication equipment on Singapore registered aircraft, facilitating essential communication for flight operations.
What happens if I operate without it?
Operating without the Aircraft Station Licence can lead to significant legal repercussions, including fines and penalties. It may also jeopardize the safety and compliance of the aircraft, impacting operational integrity.
How does this fit relative to incorporating my company?
Obtaining the Aircraft Station Licence is a separate process from incorporating your company. It is advisable to secure the necessary licences after incorporation to ensure that your business is fully compliant with regulatory requirements before commencing operations.
What's the most common reason applications get rejected?
The most common reason for rejection is the absence of the required Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore approval or incomplete documentation. Ensuring that all prerequisites are met before submission is crucial for a successful application.
Can a foreign-owned company hold this licence?
Yes, a foreign-owned company can hold the Aircraft Station Licence, provided it meets all regulatory requirements and obtains the necessary approvals from the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore.
Get a quote — incorporation + this licence
We package this with your company setup so you launch with the licence already approved.
Other IMDA licences
Arts Entertainment Licence
The Arts Entertainment Licence is issued by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) for conducting various forms of arts entertainment in Singapore, including plays, concerts, and exhibitions. The licence is valid for specified dates and processing typically takes 20 working days from receipt of complete information.
Computer Online Service Licence
The Computer Online Service Licence is required by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) for online news websites in Singapore that report on local news and current affairs and meet specific traffic criteria. Validity is agency-confirmed, with processing times available on the agency's website.
Enhanced Simplified Equipment Registration (ESER)
The Enhanced Simplified Equipment Registration (ESER) is required by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) for specific short range and low power devices in Singapore, including wireless microphones and telecommand systems. The licence is valid for 5 years, with processing typically completed immediately.
Exhibition of Telecommunication Equipment (with Frequency)
The Exhibition of Telecommunication Equipment (with Frequency) licence is required by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) for temporary exhibitions of telecommunication equipment using radio frequency in Singapore. The licence is valid for a maximum of 90 days, with processing typically completed within 10 working days upon submission of all required information.
Exhibition of Telecommunication Equipment (without Frequency)
The Exhibition of Telecommunication Equipment (without Frequency) licence is required by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) for temporary exhibitions of telecommunication equipment in Singapore. The licence is valid for a maximum of 6 months, with processing typically completed within 10 working days upon complete submission of all required information.
Experimental Station Licence
The Experimental Station Licence is required by the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) for conducting research and development activities, testing, experiments, or demonstrations in radiocommunication using radiocommunication equipment. The licence is valid for 1 year, with processing typically completed within 10 working days upon complete submission of all information.