Launch Your Saint John Air Transportation Support Services Today
This page gives a practical, step-by-step view of starting an Other Support Activities for Air Transportation (NAICS 488190) business in Saint John. You’ll find an eight-item requirements overview, plus what to register, which licenses you’ll need, and which permits are airport-related. It also covers typical setup costs and a realistic timeline so you can plan confidently from day one.
What you’ll learn: the exact permits and registrations you’ll need (business registration, GST/HST, provincial numbers), how to apply, and the fees you should budget. We’ll map a practical timeline from incorporation to securing any airport permissions or lease arrangements, plus ongoing compliance steps and where to find local help or incentives in Saint John.
Why Saint John? Its proximity to Saint John Airport and a bustling port, combined with a growing logistics sector and local support, makes it a smart place to launch 488190 services with lower costs and faster startup.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a business in Saint John is a Business Licence. This is a legal prerequisite you must have before you start any activity, and you cannot legally operate without it. The licence is issued by the City of Saint John and covers your basic authority to run a business in town, including your air transportation support services. Treat this as non-negotiable—without it you risk fines, delays, or a forced shutdown.
Beyond licensing, there are essential operational considerations to keep you compliant and safe. Your staff and workplace must be protected under New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage, which is required for employers to cover workplace injuries and safety obligations. If you have employees, you’ll also need to handle payroll deductions and remittances. Depending on how your business is structured, you may encounter additional permitting or registration needs tied to employment and regulatory reporting, so plan to align safety training, incident reporting, and ongoing compliance with these requirements.
For registration and tax obligations, you’ll want to align your business numbers and names with the proper authorities. You will likely need a Business Number (BN) registration, which is the government identifier for your dealings with federal and provincial agencies. If you operate under a specific business name, you’ll want the New Brunswick Business Name Registration (SNB). Depending on your structure, you may also need Partnership Registration or NB Corporation Registration. In addition, GST/HST Registration may be required if your sales reach the threshold, and Payroll Deductions Registration is necessary if you have employees.
To move forward confidently, start by confirming your business structure and obtaining the municipal licence, then set up the BN and SNB as needed. If you have employees, arrange WorkSafeNB coverage and payroll deductions, and connect GST/HST and other tax registrations as required. If
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a other support activities for air transportation in Saint John:
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Business Licence RequiredGeneral business licence required to operate a business in City of Saint John. Apply to City of Saint John for Business Licence: 1. Determine business category 2. Complete business licence application 3. Submit required documents (ID, lease, zoning confirmation) 4. Pay application and annual fees 5. Await approval and receive licence Contact City of Saint John Business Licensing for specific requirements. Home-based businesses may have different requirements. Annual renewal required.
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Business Number (BN) Registration RequiredA 9-digit Business Number is required for most businesses operating in Canada. It is used to interact with the Canada Revenue Agency and other federal programs. Required for GST/HST, payroll, corporation income tax, and import/export accounts. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) at canada.ca. Takes 15-30 minutes. As of November 3, 2025, online registration is MANDATORY for new BNs - phone registration no longer available. You'll need: business name, address, owner SIN, business type, and start date. BN (9-digit number) issued INSTANTLY online. Available 21 hours/day, 7 days/week (closed 3-6am ET for maintenance).
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New Brunswick Business Name Registration (SNB) RequiredBusinesses in New Brunswick must register their business name with Service New Brunswick if operating under a name other than the owner's legal name. This applies to sole proprietorships, partnerships, and trade names. Registration provides legal recognition and is required for business operations and licensing. Registration can be completed online through SNB Online. Business name registrations for sole proprietorships and partnerships must be renewed every 5 years. To register a business name in New Brunswick: 1. Conduct name search ($13.80) 2. Complete registration through SNB Online 3. Pay $112 registration fee (includes Royal Gazette) 4. Receive certificate of business name 5. Renew every 5 years ($62) 6. Report any changes as required
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Partnership Registration ConditionalRequired for partnerships. Registration of partnerships. Register through Province of New Brunswick Corporate Registry or business services: 1. Conduct name search if applicable 2. Complete registration application 3. Submit required documents 4. Pay registration fees Contact Province of New Brunswick government services for specific requirements and fees. Annual reporting may be required.
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NB Corporation Registration ConditionalRequired if incorporating in New Brunswick. Incorporation under NB law. Register through Province of New Brunswick Corporate Registry or business services: 1. Conduct name search if applicable 2. Complete registration application 3. Submit required documents 4. Pay registration fees Contact Province of New Brunswick government services for specific requirements and fees. Annual reporting may be required.
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GST/HST Registration ConditionalRequired if annual taxable revenue exceeds $30,000 (small supplier threshold). Taxi/ride-share drivers must register regardless of revenue. Businesses with gross revenues over $30,000 in any single quarter or over four consecutive quarters must register for, collect, and remit GST/HST. Small suppliers (under $30,000) may register voluntarily. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when your revenue exceeds $30,000 in any 4 consecutive quarters (small supplier threshold). Takes 15-30 minutes. You MUST register within 29 days of exceeding threshold and start charging GST/HST immediately on the sale that made you exceed it. Need your BN (or get one simultaneously). As of Nov 3, 2025, online registration is mandatory. Voluntary registration available anytime for input tax credits.
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Payroll Deductions Registration ConditionalRequired if you pay salaries, wages, or other remuneration to employees. Must register before first pay period. Required if you have employees. You must withhold Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Employment Insurance (EI), and income tax from employee wages and remit to CRA. Register FREE online through Business Registration Online (BRO) when you hire your first employee. Takes 15-20 minutes. You'll need your Business Number (BN) or can get one simultaneously. Payroll account (RP) added to your BN instantly. Register BEFORE your first pay date. Required to deduct CPP, EI, and income tax from employee wages. For 2025: CPP rate 5.95%, EI employee rate $1.66/$100 insurable earnings.
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New Brunswick WorkSafeNB Employer Coverage ConditionalRequired if you have employees in New Brunswick. Employers in New Brunswick must register with WorkSafeNB (Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission) and maintain coverage for workers. WorkSafeNB provides insurance coverage for workplace injuries and occupational diseases. Most employers are required to register, with limited exceptions. Registration must occur within 10 days of commencing business operations or hiring the first worker. Employers pay assessments based on their classification unit rate and assessable payroll. To register with WorkSafeNB: 1. Determine if you're in a mandatory industry with 3+ workers 2. Register with WorkSafeNB online or by phone 3. Report assessable payroll annually 4. Pay premiums based on industry rate ($1.18/100 avg 2024) 5. Maintain coverage and report workplace injuries 6. Experience rating affects rate (+80% to -40%)
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