Planning the Purchase and Import of Aircraft
Before starting the import process, it is crucial to carry out detailed planning that includes the four steps below:
- Operational needs: Define the type and model of aircraft that best meets your operational needs.
- Financial planning: Estimate all the costs involved in the import, including duties, taxes, transportation costs, maintenance and registration. Superia Trading’s team specializes in this type of import and can help you plan and analyze the costs of nationalizing the aircraft.
- Documentation: Identify all the documents required to import the aircraft.
- Supplier and aircraft selection: Choose a reliable supplier and an aircraft that meets your specifications. Consider the aircraft’s age, maintenance history, flight hours and compliance with local regulations.
What are the steps for importing aircraft?
- Purchase offer: The first step is to make a purchase offer to the seller.
- Visual Inspection: An initial visual inspection may be necessary to assess the general condition of the aircraft.
- Pre-Buy Inspection: A thorough inspection by a specialized technician is crucial to verify the mechanical, structural and documentary condition of the aircraft.
- Payment abroad via Escrow Account: For the security of both parties, payment is often made via an escrow account, where the funds are held until all the conditions of the contract have been met.
- Brand Reservation: Depending on the country and regulations, it may be necessary to register the aircraft and the trademark.
- Generate Export Certificate: The seller must obtain an export certificate from the aircraft’s country of origin.
- Insurance: It is essential to take out appropriate insurance for the aircraft during transportation and after importation.
- Customs documentation: You must prepare all the customs documents needed to clear the aircraft through customs in the destination country.
- Registration and Certification: After import, the aircraft must be registered and certified by the civil aviation authorities of the destination country.
- Compliance with Local Regulations: Comply with all local regulations and standards related to the import of aircraft.
- Duties and Taxes: Pay all applicable customs duties and taxes related to the import.
Aircraft leasing, what is it and how to do it?
Aircraft leasing is a process whereby an aircraft is leased by a company or individual (the lessee) from a company specializing in aircraft leasing (the lessor). This type of agreement is common in commercial and executive aviation, offering a flexible alternative to buying an aircraft outright. It works as follows:
- Operational vs. Financial: Operational leasing is more flexible and does not appear on the company’s balance sheet, while financial leasing is treated as an asset.
- Advantages: Lower initial investment, flexibility to change aircraft according to operational needs, and the possibility of accessing state-of-the-art aircraft.
- How to lease: With a few documents in hand, you can request an analysis from the leasing bank. Leasing can be offered to both individuals and companies.
What are the types of taxation on aircraft imports?
Taxation varies significantly between countries and can include:
- Import taxes: Taxes levied on the customs value of the aircraft.
- Value Added Tax (VAT): Applicable in many countries on the import of goods.
- Customs fees and tariffs: Additional costs associated with the import process.
Advantages and import process with Superia Trading
Superia offers specialized support at every stage of the import process:
- Documentation: Help with obtaining and checking all the necessary documents.
- Local regulations: Ensures compliance with local and international regulations.
- Logistics: Efficient coordination for transportation and delivery of the aircraft.
In addition, you can take advantage of the tax benefit of the Cotepe Act, reducing the ICMS (Tax on the Circulation of Goods and Services) to 4%.
Importing an aircraft can be a challenging process, but with the right support and the right knowledge of the procedures, you can ensure a successful import and integrate your new aircraft into your operation efficiently.
For more information on how Superia can help you import your aircraft, contact their experts today. Turn a complex process into a smooth and efficient experience!
