JCAA pushes back on general aviation ‘collapse’ claims
Published:Monday | February 16, 2026 | 12:07 AM
WESTERN BUREAU:
The Jamaica Civil Aviation Authority (JCAA) has pushed back against claims that Jamaica’s general aviation sector is in collapse, outlining legislative reforms, licensing growth and ongoing infrastructure interventions it says signal an evolving, not dying, industry.
In a statement issued on February 13, the authority acknowledged concerns raised by industry stakeholders but maintained that general aviation activity remains active and diversified, supported by three air operator certificate (AOC) holders, two approved training organisations, and expanding unmanned aircraft operations.
While stakeholders had pointed to contraction within the sector, the JCAA clarified that four aircraft currently hold valid certificates of airworthiness on the Jamaican registry, with two additional aircraft progressing through certification, which would bring the total to six.
The authority confirmed that two AOC holders relinquished or suspended certificates between 2024 and 2025 but noted growth in other segments. Student pilot licensing increased to 74 licences issued in the 2024-2025 financial year, up from 49 in the previous year.
Unmanned aircraft operations have also expanded, with 247 permits issued in 2024-25, compared with 175 in 2023-24, reflecting what the authority described as a changing aviation landscape.
Addressing concerns about outdated regulatory frameworks, the JCAA said revisions to the Civil Aviation Act are advancing through the legislative process. The draft bill is currently before the Office of the Parliamentary Counsel and will subsequently proceed to the Cabinet’s Legislative Committee before being tabled in Parliament.
According to the authority, the updated framework is intended to clarify certification pathways, align Jamaica’s regime with international standards, and create a more responsive foundation for traditional and emerging aviation services.
Master Plan
A Civil Aviation Master Plan is also being developed as part of a 13-month national project that includes specific provisions for strengthening general aviation.
In response to assertions that regulatory fees are constraining operators, the JCAA stated that all regulatory fees associated with the local aviation industry were waived in 2011. The authority added that it removed the annual AOC renewal requirement in 2015, at the request of industry stakeholders, as a measure to reduce financial burden and improve operational stability.
Other operational costs frequently cited by operators, including aviation fuel, maintenance and airport-related charges, fall outside the authority’s remit, the statement said.
Regarding damage to the General Aviation Terminal at the Sangster International Airport following Hurricane Melissa, the JCAA acknowledged the impact on facilities and said interim accommodation arrangements have been implemented for the affected tenants.
The authority said it has maintained oversight and coordination activities to support restoration efforts following the hurricane.
The JCAA maintained that while the aviation environment has evolved amid changing travel patterns and technological advancement, general aviation continues to play a critical role in training, emergency response and specialised aerial services.
The authority said it remains committed to maintaining a regulatory framework that balances safety with operational viability and continued engagement with industry stakeholders.