It’s pretty tricky to assess whether or not you need an ATOL;  and once you’ve fathomed that, you still need to know what TYPE of ATOL you need! Here’s our potted summary  to help you to establish which type of ATOL application would suit you best:-

Standard ATOL

First of all, you need to establish whether it will be your intention to carry more than 500 passengers or conduct more than £1 million of licensable revenue a year.  If you think you will, then the standard ATOL will fit your requirements best. Here are its key features:-

• No trading restrictions
• Minimum £50,000 bond required on grant.
• People in control of business not involved in a failed licence holder.
• Personal fitness and competence test*
• Need to meet financial criteria.
• £1,890 application costs plus grant charges

Small Business ATOL (SBA)

If on the other hand you think you will sell less than 500 airline seats or conduct less than £1 million worth of licensable business a year, then the Small Business ATOL will suit you more. Here are its key features:-

Minimum £50K bond required for grant.

• Restricted to 500 passengers and £1 million licensable revenue per annum for minimum three years.
• People in control of business not involved in a failed licence holder.
• Personal fitness and competence test.*
• Need to meet financial criteria.
• £1,115 application costs

*Before your licence is granted, the CAA must be satisfied that the people who own or control the business are fit and competent to hold a licence. You will have to provide request details of the history of the people in a position of influence over the business and consider if they are likely to operate in a proper manner if granted a licence.

Get in touch if you’d like to discuss these criteria with your particular circumstances in mind, or if you’d like help inmaking an ATOL application.