Rent an AOC / Legal?

[A380MSN0001]

Hi guys,

I got an EASA regulatory question. I've red when Stelios started Easyjet he rent 2 ACMI 737s and use the AOC of Air Foyle to have the right to start selling tickets and do the first operations.

I know it's back in 1995 but is this still possible to start operations this way now in 2020? And if yes, is there a lot of companies who are willing to "rent" their AOC for startup guys to start their operations?

Many thanks.

[Kirks gusset]

They did not "rent" an AOC. The aircraft were operated as a series of charters. This type of arrangement is still quite common, although putting different variants or types on AOCs is time consuming and expensive.
By far the easiest way to start a "paper airline" is simply to charter another AOC holders fleet, or even a couple of aircraft.
Given todays climate I suspect most companies would want cash in advance and minimum contract period of a "season" .
Starting scheduled routes is a complicated process and by no means easy.

[A380MSN0001]

Thanks for you feedback.