The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has unveiled its charging proposals for the certification of air operators and vertiports.
The Civil Aviation Authority is the UK’s independent aviation regulator responsible for ensuring the safety and security of aviation operations, while fostering innovation and sustainability in the industry.
Its recent consultation document, open until 6 January 2025, outlines fees for operators and infrastructure developers and introduces a 1.0% increase in safety scheme charges to support innovation in the aviation sector.
Under the proposed structure, vertiport operators will face varying licensing fees based on the complexity of the aircraft they develop. For example, heavier eVTOLs like the Archer Midnight (maximum take-off weight of 3,175 kg) will require a licensing fee of £4,332, while lighter models such as the SkyDrive SD-05 (1,100 kg) will be charged at £2,964.
Additionally, eVTOL operators will pay an annual fee of £15,866 if they manage up to four aircraft, aligning with existing fees for small fixed-wing aircraft operators.
A Civil Aviation Authority spokesperson told Zag Daily: “Vertiports will be classified as aerodromes, and eVTOL aircraft will be treated as aircraft under 5,700kg. This is part of our enabling work to treat eVTOL as existing aircraft to get them flying in the interim while the supporting regulatory framework is put together. Licensing criteria is still being discussed within the Civil Aviation Authority for eventual public consultation.”
The CAA also plans to charge £1,368 for project approval of vertiports, with additional fees if processing exceeds six hours. Most applications are expected to come from existing aerodromes extending their licences, though standalone vertiports will also be considered.
Beyond infrastructure, the CAA is investing in environmental sustainability, consumer protection, and future-facing initiatives like the Future of Flight programme. The proposed changes represent an estimated 0.4% of UK aerospace turnover.
Feedback from the consultation will inform the final fee structure, which is set to take effect on 1 April 2025.
