Start Your Scheduled Freight Air Transportation Business in Burnaby
This page provides a practical, step-by-step guide to launching a scheduled freight air transportation business in Burnaby (NAICS 481112). It breaks down the journey from idea to takeoff, including a concise overview of the 9 requirements, the permits you’ll likely need, and typical startup costs and timelines. With clear milestones and checklists, you’ll understand what to register, which regulatory approvals to pursue, and what setup tasks to tackle first.
You’ll learn exactly which documents to prepare for each requirement, how to align with Transport Canada regulations, which permits and airport access agreements to secure, and how to estimate ongoing costs such as aircraft, insurance, maintenance, and staffing. We’ll also map out a realistic timeline from incorporation to first revenue flight and outline a simple compliance calendar to stay on track.
Burnaby offers a strong logistics hub with proximity to Vancouver’s major cargo routes, ready access to industrial space, and a supportive business environment. Coupled with a clear, nine-step startup plan for NAICS 481112, Burnaby is a smart base for growing a reliable scheduled freight service in Western Canada.
Requirements Overview
The most critical requirement for operating a freight air transportation business in Burnaby, BC is Pilot and Crew Licensing. This is a legal prerequisite, and you cannot legally fly scheduled freight services without properly licensed pilots and crew. It’s non-negotiable: licenses, appropriate ratings for your aircraft, and ongoing currency must be current and verifiable by regulators.
Beyond licensing, there are essential operational steps to keep your flights safe and compliant. You’ll need an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) to operate scheduled air service, and you must ensure aircraft maintenance and airworthiness are up to date. It’s also important to secure cargo and liability insurance and have WorkSafeBC coverage for your staff. These items work together to meet safety standards, protect passengers and cargo, and align with federal and provincial rules.
On the business side, you’ll handle registration and taxes. This includes obtaining a Business Number (BN) from the Canada Revenue Agency and registering a BC business name (whether you’re a sole proprietor or partnership). You’ll also handle GST/HST registration and payroll deductions registration, so you’re set to collect taxes where required and remit payroll withholdings for your crew.
You’ve got this. Next steps are practical: confirm licensed pilots and crew, start the AOC process with the appropriate authorities, register your business name in BC, obtain your BN, apply for GST/HST if required, and set up payroll and WorkSafeBC accounts. Consider a quick consult with a regulatory advisor to tailor the plan to your exact operation, then create a simple schedule to track each milestone. You’re well on your way to launching a compliant, credible freight air service.
Detailed Requirements
Here are the specific requirements for starting a scheduled freight air transportation in Burnaby:
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Pilot and Crew Licensing RequiredCommercial pilots and crew must hold appropriate licenses from Transport Canada including commercial pilot license, airline transport pilot license, and medical certification. Transport Canada pilot licensing. Private, commercial, ATPL levels. Medical certificate. Flight training. Written and flight exams. Contact TC: 1-800-305-2059.
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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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BC Business Name Registration (Sole Proprietorship/Partnership) RequiredRegistration of sole proprietorship or partnership business names with BC Registries Register sole proprietorship or partnership at bcregistry.gov.bc.ca. Name reservation: $30 (standard) or $100 (priority 1-2 days). Registration fee: $40. Total: ~$70. Name reserved for 56 days after approval. Registration is continuous (no renewal required). No name protection for sole proprietorships. Personal names operating under own name do not require registration. Contact BC Registries: 1-877-526-1526.
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Cargo and Liability Insurance ConditionalRequired for specific regulated activities. Commercial carriers must maintain adequate cargo insurance, public liability insurance, and in some cases surety bonds to cover loss, damage, and third-party claims. Cargo liability insurance for freight carriers. Transport Canada requirements. Minimum coverage levels. Interstate/international requirements. Bill of lading requirements. Contact insurance broker or Transport Canada.
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Aircraft Maintenance and Airworthiness ConditionalRequired for air emissions. Aircraft operators must maintain airworthiness standards including regular inspections, approved maintenance organizations, and compliance with airworthiness directives. Transport Canada Aircraft Maintenance Organization (AMO) certificate. CAR 573 compliance. Licensed AME personnel. Maintenance Control Manual. Quality assurance program. Facility requirements. Annual audits. Contact Transport Canada: 1-800-305-2059.
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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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WorkSafeBC Coverage and Registration ConditionalRequired if you have workers in BC. Workers compensation insurance coverage through WorkSafeBC for employers in British Columbia WorkSafeBC coverage required for most BC employers. Average base premium rate: 1.55% of assessable payroll ($1.55 per $100). Register online at worksafebc.com. Apply 30 days before starting business or hiring workers. Processing: ~10 business days. Premium rates vary by industry classification (514 classification units). COR certified employers eligible for 10% rebate. Contact: 604-276-3100 or 1-888-967-5377.
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Air Operator Certificate (AOC) ConditionalRequired for air emissions. Commercial air carriers must obtain an Air Operator Certificate from Transport Canada and comply with aviation safety standards, operations specifications, and maintenance requirements. Transport Canada Air Operator Certificate (AOC) for commercial air services. Safety Management System required. Qualified Operations Manager and Chief Pilot. Aircraft maintenance programs. Insurance requirements. Contact Transport Canada: 1-800-305-2059.
Funding & Grants
Available funding programs that may apply to your scheduled freight air transportation:
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ACAP funds rehabilitation projects at eligible local and regional airports offering year-round scheduled commercial service. Annual budget of approximately $38–55M. Airports with under 50,000 passengers receive 100% funding (graduated reduction above that). Maximum $30M per application. Annual deadline June 1 for following program year.
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