Digital Certificates and Electronic Signatures

This page explains the new process for the issuance of digital certificates and electronic signatures for Approvals, Permissions, Exemptions and other documents produced by ASSI.

1. Introduction

1.1 Air Safety Support International (ASSI) is transitioning away from PDF‑based applications and the production of hard‑copy documents with handwritten stamp-embossed signatures. Approvals, Permissions, Exemptions, Licences and other official documents will now be issued digitally with electronic signatures supported by digital signature certificates.

1.2 In accordance with Air Navigation (Overseas Territories) Order [the Order] requirements, ASSI issues signed documents to owners, operators and approval holders to recognise compliance with applicable requirements and to confirm approval status.

1.3 Requirements for the carriage of some of these documents onboard are set out in Part 20 of the Order and OTAR Part 91.

2. Background

2.1 Historically, ASSI used PDF application forms and issued paper ‘originals’ of the relevant certificates. These included a handwritten signature and either embossing or an ink stamp.

2.2 Processing PDF applications and issuing paper originals has become increasingly inefficient. To improve accessibility for industry applicants and streamline internal processing, ASSI is moving towards fully electronic issuance and delivery of certificates.

2.3 During the COVID‑19 pandemic, a number of documents were already issued solely in electronic format. ASSI is now expanding this approach to fully digital certificates and electronic signatures where applicable.

3. Information

3.1 ASSI will transition to an online application process for the following regulatory areas, effective 31 March 2026:

• Air Traffic Control (ATC)
• Aerodromes
• Airworthiness
• Flight Operations
• Personnel Licensing
• Dangerous Goods

3.2 All applications submitted through the new online system will result in the issuance of a digital certificate incorporating an electronic signature, delivered via a dedicated portal accessible to applicants.

3.3 Although the format and layout of certificates may change slightly, the content of ASSI certificates, approvals and related documents will remain the same.

3.4 Under the new process, the electronically signed digital document containing an authentication QR code will constitute the original document.

3.5 Digital certificates will include the following features:

• A QR code at the top of the certificate linking to the relevant regulatory area on the ASSI website.
• An electronic signature with the name of the authorised signatory and date of signature displayed over an ASSI logo impression.
• A QR code labelled “Scan for Authentication” linking to a verification portal. The portal will display relevant information to verify the authenticity and the authenticated version of the certificate, allowing comparison with the document presented.

4. Other scenarios

4.1 ASSI recognises that some regulatory documentation may continue to be processed outside the online system.

4.2 In these cases, ASSI will still issue a digital certificate or document using an electronic signature via Adobe Sign.

4.3 These electronically signed digital documents will also constitute the original document.

4.4 The signature will include:

• A representation of the handwritten signature image
• An ASSI logo impression
• A QR Code leading to the relevant section of the ASSI website for authentication
• A digitally recorded authorisation of the signature, including the identifier of the authorised person and the time and date of signing

5. Instruction

5.1 To meet the requirement for carriage of an original certificate, the digital document may be carried in any approved Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) or other digital media capable of displaying a PDF document onboard the aircraft for the intended flight.