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Czech Airlines Technics receives European AEO certificate

Czech Airlines Technics (CSAT), a daughter company of the Czech Aeroholding Group which provides aircraft technical maintenance services, has received the AEO Certificate (Authorised Economic Operator), granted by the European Commission to reliable, financially stable economic subjects familiar with customs compliance. CSAT has thus prevented any potential impact of the announced legislative change pursuant to which only reviewed and certified companies will be able to use simplified customs procedures in the future.

CSAT has received the type C of the AEO Certificates (the AEOC) which allows its holder to use simplified customs procedures across the European Union. CSAT is now allowed to use the AEO logo, which it will start using when in contact with its customers and business partners, but, more importantly, to keep enjoying the following customs-related benefits:

• Easier access to customs simplifications
• Fewer physical and document inspections
• Priority control upon risk-analysis-based inspections
• Ability to request that a control is performed at a specific location
• Option to forego security deposits for customs debt

“Czech Airlines Technics, as a certified entity, can now be recognised as a reliable company in terms of competition, which can help facilitate new business partnerships and increase their commercial value,” said Václav Řehoř, Chairman of the Czech Aeroholding Board of Directors, adding: “This is a clear signal for our customers that Czech Airlines Technics adheres to safety and focuses on high quality standards of its services.”

The AEO Certificate prerequisites  comprise of providing information about the company, adherence to customs requirements, a satisfactory system of business, and potentially, transport record keeping to allow for customs inspections, proof of solvency and compliance with the relevant norms of safety and security.

AEO Certificates are issued for an unlimited period of time. “Consecutively, upon ensuring compliance with the strict safety requirements, Czech Airlines Technics will apply for the AEO-F Certificate – Customs Simplification/Security and Safety,” Václav Řehoř added.

About Czech Airlines Technics

Czech Airlines Technics, a daughter company of Czech Aeroholding, focuses primarily on aircraft repair and maintenance and aviation techniques of base maintenance, line maintenance, components maintenance, engineering and landing gear maintenance. Last year, the company processed over 100 base maintenance jobs on B737, A320 Family and ATR aircraft, primarily on foreign-owned aircraft. Among the most important clients of CSAT are Czech Airlines, FINNAIR, Transavia, Germania, Travel Service, TUIfly, NEOS, Air Berlin and the Czech Air Force. Above the scope of general maintenance, CSAT’s portfolio of services provided comprises of the ability to perform various modifications and service bulletins, structural repairs, engine exchanges and exchanges and repairs of landing gear and other aircraft components. It is also interesting to mention the modification of Split Scimitar Winglets of Boeing B737NG aircraft, performed by CSAT as the first company in continental Europe, and Sharklets modification of Airbus A320 aircraft.

About AEO Certification Process

AEO Certificates (Authorised Economic Operator), granted by EU customs authorities, were designed to support the implementation of amended EU customs regulations related to foreign trade security measures. The only competent Czech customs office, authorised to issue, revoke or temporarily suspend AEO Certificates, is the Customs Office for the South-Bohemian Region with its seat in České Budějovice.

AEO Certificates facilitate simplified procedures for both certified operators and customs offices across the European Union. Since the Certificates are only issued to reliable and financially stable economic subjects experienced in customs proceedings, they provide both Czech Customs and other EU Customs with certain guarantees. As a result, the certified entities are held in high regard.    

Currently, there are 3 types of Certificates:

• AEOC – Customs Simplifications AEO Certificate
• AEOS – Security and Safety AEO Certificate
• AEOF – Customs Simplification/Security and Safety Certificate