Operating certificate is a category of license issued by a government agency allowing an individual or company to provide a controlled type of service. These certificates are generally issued for a limited time period. Certificates can have intrinsic value and in some cases can be sold (Northwest Airlines bought the operating certificate of defunct FLYi).

The term can be used to describe the document issued to operate any of the following:

• Airline; in the United States, the authority to operate an airline
• Airport; in the United States, the authority to operate an airport
• Adult care facility; generally issued by a local authority
• Transportation company; generally issued by a local authority

United States

According to the - United States Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration to maintain an airline air carriers operating certificate in the category of fitness an air carrier must maintain the following three standards :

• adequate financing
• competent management
• a willingness to comply with applicable laws and regulations which include:
• at least 75 percent of airlines controlling voting equity must be held by US citizens.

References