Apply for aviation security program for German air carrier

If you are a German airline wishing to operate flights within the European Union (EU), you must apply for approval of an aviation security program under certain conditions.

German airlines that operate flights within the European Union (EU) must create and develop an aviation security program. A German air carrier must have an approved aviation security program in order to obtain an operating permit from the German Federal Aviation Office (LBA).

Why do I need approval?

The aviation security program describes measures that an airline applies to ensure safe air traffic. This serves in particular to prevent aircraft hijackings, acts of sabotage and terrorist attacks.
If you as a company operate or intend to operate aircraft with a maximum weight of more than 5.7 tons, you are obliged to submit an aviation security program to the Federal Aviation Office for approval.

The approved aviation security program is a prerequisite for the granting of an operating permit.

How long is the approved aviation security program valid?

An approved aviation security program for German airlines is valid indefinitely.

However, at the latest five years after approval, the aviation security program will be reviewed to determine whether it still complies with the regulations then in force.

You are therefore obliged to report all changes to the aviation security program to the Federal Aviation Office on an ongoing basis.

What are the exceptions?

If you only operate aircraft with a maximum weight of up to 5.7 tons, there is an exception to the obligation to submit the program to the Luftfahrt-Bundesamt. A submission for approval may nevertheless be required in individual cases.

The exception does not apply to the approval of special air safety programs for flights into Berlin.

The following documents are required during the approval process:

• if no aviation security officer has yet been appointed or if the application is made by proxy:
  • Declaration of commitment
• if an aviation security officer has already been appointed:
  • Copy of the background check,
  • training certificate
  • Proof of completed further training

Please refer to the application form to find out which documents are required in your case.

• You have already applied to the Federal Aviation Office for an operating license or already have one.
• You are submitting the application
  • as aviation security officer or aviation security officer
  • by proxy

• You can lodge an objection within 1 month.

To apply for approval of an aviation security program, please proceed as follows:

• Go to the federal portal verwaltung.bund.de and complete the online application.
  • You will need the ELSTER company account to complete the online application.
• You can upload your documents directly. Alternatively, you can send your notification and documents to the LBA by e-mail, fax or post.
• If the information is complete, the Federal Office of Civil Aviation will provide the aviation security officer (electronically and by post) with information for the creation of an aviation security program after checking the information.
• The aviation security officer then draws up the aviation security program and transmits it to the Federal Aviation Office via the federal portal.
• The Federal Aviation Office will review the aviation security program and coordinate any open questions with the aviation security officer.
• Once your application has been processed by the authority, you will receive a notification and fee notice.

There is no deadline.

The fees are based on the Aviation Security Fees Ordinance. Due to the amendment of the Aviation Security Fees Ordinance, new fee obligations have applied since 01.02.2024. The fee depends on the size of the aircraft and the content of the aviation security program.

Air carriers are obliged to report all changes affecting the aviation security program to the Federal Aviation Office.