Aruba revokes Bestfly Aircraft Management Aruba’s AOC, Bestfly says it requested the withdrawal
The operator’s AOC was initially suspended on 5th May.
The Department of Civil Aviation of Aruba (DCAA) has revoked the air operator certificate (AOC) of Bestfly Aircraft Management Aruba.
The move follows regulatory enforcement actions taken “in the interest of aviation safety and compliance oversight”, according to a DCAA release.
In a statement issued to CJI, Bestfly founders Nuno and Alcinda Pereira said they requested for the AOC to be withdrawn.
“Bestfly wishes to inform its clients and associates that, after a period of evaluation, it has decided to cease its AOC operations in Aruba,” the statement read. “On May 8th, 2026, Bestfly informed the Minister of Transport of this decision and requested the withdrawal of its AOC. By letter dated May 11th, 2026, the Minister honoured this request. This decision was made at the request and initiative of Bestfly and was not imposed by the authorities. Bestfly believes that this decision represents the best course of action for the company, its clients, vendors and employees.”
The DCAA said the operator’s AOC was initially suspended on 5th May pending further regulatory review and oversight actions. After further consideration, the DCAA revoked the certificate on 11th May.
As part of the regulatory actions undertaken, certain aircraft previously operating under OPS-1 have been transferred to OPS-2 operations.
“This occurrence reflects the DCAA’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety, operational oversight, and regulatory compliance in accordance with Aruba’s civil aviation framework and international aviation standards,” stated the DCAA.
“The decisive and timely measures implemented by DCAA demonstrate the effectiveness and responsiveness of Aruba’s aviation oversight system and reinforce the authority’s commitment to safeguarding the integrity and reputation of Aruba’s aviation sector,” it continued.
Bestfly is an Angolan operator which launched in 2009 offering services including management, charter, maintenance and handling.
The Aruban aircraft management business was founded in 2017 and is based in Oranjestad, Aruba. Bestfly had registered an Embraer 190 to fly between Aruba, Bonaire and Curaçao.
