TAG Aviation Asia (TBJ, Hong Kong International) has announced it has become the first Asian airline to secure an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) from the Sammarinese Civil Aviation Authority (SM-CAA).

In a statement, the Hong Kong-based business charter specialist said it had already opened a dedicated office and sourced a launch aircraft, a GVI-G650ER.

"We are delighted to have obtained this AOC from the SM-CAA, enabling us to expand commercial aircraft operations for our clients,” Jolie Howard, CEO, TAG Aviation Asia and Accountable Manager, said. “The San Marino AOC (of TAG Aviation San Marino) allows us to advance the scope of customer services and widen our range of bespoke services by providing the flexibility of various operating solutions.”

Though its Hong Kong AOC, TAG Aviation currently manages a fleet of 48 business jets within the Asia Pacific region. Other units in the TAG Aviation family include TAG Aviation, TAG Aviation España, TAG Aviation (Malta), TAG Aviation (United Kingdom), and TAG Aviation Middle East.