In-flight suppliers who supply catering and on-board supplies to commercial aircraft are required to be regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). The following information is provided to assist prospective in-flight supplier companies to become Regulated Suppliers.
A guide to the application process is available from the CAA using the contact details for the Cargo and In-Flight Supplies Business Support Unit below. This will help you work through the application process and contains guidance for the completion of the Security Programme.
Pre-requisites
In-flight supplies are all items intended to be taken on board an aircraft for use, consumption or purchase by passengers or crew during a flight, other than cabin baggage, items carried by persons other than passengers and air carrier mail and air carrier materials.
In order to be approved as a Regulated Supplier of in-flight supplies, the applicant shall submit documentation on aviation security standards (security programme) and shall then be subjected to an on-site verification visit to ensure that it fulfils the required standards.
You must be able to demonstrate that:
- Appoint a person responsible for security in the company.
- All staff (permanent, temporary / agency staff and drivers) with access to in-flight supplies have received the appropriate aviation security training.
- Access to the premises and in-flight supplies is controlled and the production areas are supervised.
- Ensure that no prohibited articles are concealed in the in-flight supplies.
- Apply tamper evident seals, physically protect all containers / vehicles that transport in-flight supplies.
How do I apply?
Complete the application form
- For new suppliers, tick 'New Application'.
- To move to a new site or to add a new site to a current listing, tick 'Additional Site'.
How much does it cost?
Costs are detailed in the CAA Scheme of Charges (Aviation Security).
What do I need to send with my application?
You will need to send the following information with your application:
- Completed application form, the Security Manager must sign the Declaration of Commitments Part D.
- Security Programme (sent by Egress only, USB storage devices are not accepted).
- Payment for the new site or new application to become a Regulated Supplier.
- Covering letter explaining when the new site or new supplier wants to be listed and when the site will be operational.
How long will it take for my application to be processed?
This timeframe is contingent on the mandatory application form, security programme and fee being submitted and assessed as compliant. Then allow up to 56 days for a site assessment to be arranged that must meet the necessary requirements for the granting of Regulated status.
What happens next?
- The Security Programme will be read and approved by a Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Aviation Security Compliance Auditor.
- A site visit will be arranged by a CAA Compliance Team Manager.
- Once approved, a new Supplier will be served Directions, Regulated Supplier (RS) and UAI number, New sites will receive a Regulated Supplier (RS) and UAI number.
- The Regulated Supplier will be listed on the UK Database on Supply Chain Security.
How long is it valid for?
Listing can be for up to a maximum of 5 years.
Contact us
For questions about the application process for becoming a Regulated Supplier, please contact:
Cargo and In-flight Supplies Business Support Unit
Aviation Security Compliance
CAA, 5th Floor
11 Westferry Circus
Canary Wharf, London, E14 4HD
Email: RASupport@caa.co.uk
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