This study considered the challenges faced by the selected Air Operator Certificate (AOC) holders in Zambia in order to establish the reasons for the collapse of most indigenous air operators since 1994. After Zambia Airways (In Liquidation) was closed by the MMD government in 1994, the Zambian aviation sector has continued to operate with policy discrepancies, resulting in economic burdens, costly compliance fees, an unfavorable airport charges/fees system, costly navigation fees, high aviation fuel prices, and unpredictable commercial air operator inputs. The Zambian aviation industrys low capacity and high local operating costs make it hard to compete with international commercial air carriers. Commercial air operators have also struggled financially because to the COVID-19 pandemic and disease management techniques (Amankwah-Amoah, 2020 Rosalsky, 2020). Thus, this study examined the challenges faced by specific air operators to offer the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ), key aviation stakeholders, and air operators possible solutions to the challenges on business barriers that impede commercial air operator growth. The researcher used primary data sources from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Proflight Zambia, Royal Air Charters Ltd while secondary data came from peer-reviewed journals, academic publications, books, and internet sources on challenges facing local and international commercial air operations and international civil aviation management. A Qualitative data analysis (What, How, Why) using a Case Study structure and a questionnaire for primary data sources and secondary data extraction followed Grounded Theory method (GTM). The study suggested changing Zambias policy for hiring aviation technocrats and advisers like the Ministry of Transports Transport Director, Assistant Director Aviation and Water Development, and Principal Aviation Officer to prioritize hiring ex-CAA/AOC holders staff with aviation experience such as former airline pilots, engineers, quality managers, and air traffic controllers. The study revealed that AOC holderss management teams satisfied ZCARs aviation standards except for shortcomings in practical business management and related economics, advising that aviators obtain further academic management training as a qualifying criterion. In the CAAs certification requirements for AOC holders, there existed compliance gaps. The study found that AOC holders considered payable CAA fees and levies exorbitant. With a projected growth in local Approved Training Organizations (ATOs), Approved Maintenance Organizations (AMOs), and Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities set up, the CAA needed more inspectors to boost inspection capacity. The researcher discovered that high operational costs compromise AOC holders business development due to costly economic input factors.  

L- fuzzy soft intersection action on a soft ring

Air Operator Certificate (AOC) Holders; Specific Air Operators; Aviation Industry; Challenges; Zambia Airways (In Liquidation) shutdown in 1994