Major Charter Permit Policy Changes

Blanket Permits Now Universal Requirement

The most significant change eliminates the previous system where operators could obtain limited one-time permits or qualify based on flight frequency. All charter operators now fall under the same requirement, regardless of how often they fly to Mexico. 

Effective immediately, charter flights to and from Mexico require an indefinite Blanket Permit that includes AFAC validation of the operator’s Air Operator Certificate (AOC). Both the Blanket Permit and AOC must remain current for operations to continue. 

Extended Processing Timelines

AFAC has also extended permit processing times: 

• Demo, Charter, and Aerial Photography Flights: Permit requests must be submitted at least 10 business days in advance (previously 5 business days). 

• Blanket Permits (New or Modified): Processing may now take up to 90 business days under ideal conditions, often longer (previously 30 to 60 business days). 

Stricter Insurance Documentation

Mexican insurance requirements have become more stringent. Insurance policies must now exactly match the aircraft’s registration certificate, including: 

• Make and model 

• Serial number 

• Tail number 

Previously, there was flexibility to use the commercial operator name. That is no longer accepted—only the exact name on the registration certificate will be approved. Worldwide insurance policies must also reflect the same aircraft details. 

Operational Changes 

Individual Flight Reviews

Every flight now faces individual AFAC review, including verification of: 

• Operator credentials 

• Aircraft registration 

• Pilot details 

Approval must be granted before each trip. 

Aircraft Pre-Listing Requirements

Only aircraft already included on your validated Blanket Permit are eligible for entry. Unlisted aircraft will be denied operations. 

Ground-Level Documentation Checks

AFAC has clarified that local Comandancia authorities will also review aircraft documentation, insurance, and crew records before approving flights. 

Equipment Requirements

Only aircraft equipped with the following can be listed on Blanket Permits: 

• ELT (Emergency Locator Transmitter) 

• CVR (Cockpit Voice Recorder) 

• FDR (Flight Data Recorder) 

• TCAS II (Traffic Collision Avoidance System) 

• TAWS/GPWS (Terrain Awareness Warning System/Ground Proximity Warning System) 

• Transponder 

Note: Some equipment may not be required for U.S. operations but is mandatory for Mexico listings. 

Current Status and Exceptions

Continuing Operations

Operators may continue flying aircraft already covered by a valid Blanket Permit, even if permit updates are in process. However, aircraft not yet listed on the permit cannot operate. 

Potential Temporary Approvals

AFAC is evaluating whether temporary approvals may be granted for aircraft in the process of being added to a Blanket Permit or AOC. Confirmation on this is expected soon. 

Co-Responsibility Undertaking Scenarios 

We must also consider two additional scenarios: 

1. Operator already holds a Blanket Permit, but the aircraft is not yet under validation
   In these cases, Universal may provide support—subject to the operator executing a co-responsibility undertaking letter with us, to be filed with the authorities. This confirms shared accountability while the inclusion process is initiated without delay. 

1. Operator has not yet applied for a Blanket Permit
   In this case, the operator may still submit the co-responsibility undertaking letter while immediately beginning the Blanket Permit application process. This allows coordination of operations under a shared responsibility framework while advancing through the formal application. 

Important: These measures are not yet backed by formal documentation, only verbal guidance from AFAC personnel. Operators should proceed carefully and not misinterpret this as a substitute for the official Blanket Permit requirement. 

What Operators Must Do Now

Immediate Actions Required

• Review your Blanket Permit status — Confirm it’s current and AFAC-validated. 

• Verify your AOC validation — Ensure AFAC validation remains active. 

• Check aircraft listings — Confirm all aircraft you plan to operate are on the permit. 

• Update crew and insurance documentation — Ensure all records are current for Comandancia review. 

• Double-check insurance documents — Verify they exactly match aircraft registration details. 

• Avoid scheduling flights — Until compliance is confirmed. 

Planning Considerations

• Start Blanket Permit applications immediately if you don’t have one — minimum 90-day lead time required. 

• Submit permit requests early — Allow at least 10 business days for standard permits. 

• Don’t wait until the last minute — especially around weekends or holidays.

Getting Help

An official AFAC communication is expected soon, but operators should not wait for formal guidance. Given the complexity and time-intensive nature of obtaining Blanket Permits, along with stricter documentation requirements, immediate action is required. 

Universal’s Global Regulatory Services team is maintaining direct communication with AFAC and can assist with: 

• Blanket Permit applications and updates 

• Co-responsibility undertakings (where applicable) 

• Insurance and documentation compliance 

Contact us before scheduling your next Mexico flight to ensure compliance and avoid costly denials or delays.