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.