Resources
Regulatory information
The International Civil Aviation Organization (“ICAO”) is the Supervisory Authority of the International Registry and Aviareto Limited is the Registrar.
Regulations and Procedures for the International Registry are issued by ICAO pursuant to Article 17 (2) (d) of the Convention on International Interests in Mobile Equipment (the “Convention”) and Article XVIII of the Protocol to the Convention on International Interests in Mobile Equipment on Matters specific to Aircraft Equipment, (the “Protocol”). These were both signed at Cape Town on 16 November 2001.
The 9th edition of the Registry Regulations and Procedures (PDF) is available to download.
Academic information
As the Registrar of the International Registry since its establishment in 2006, Aviareto has contributed to the operational implementation and continuing evolution of the Cape Town Convention. Drawing on our technical and operational expertise, we contribute to industry and academic research to promote understanding of the legal and practical frameworks that underpin aviation finance.
The academic and industry materials below reflect that work.
Featured publications
Guide on Best Practices for Electronic Business Registries
Cape Town Convention Academic Project, May 2026
Aviareto is proud to have supported this 2026 release as part of the BPER (Best Practices in the Field of Electronic Registry Design and Operation Project). The guide provides a practical international framework for operating and modernising electronic business registries, offering expertise to governments and registry operators.
Practitioners’ Guide to the Cape Town Convention and the Aircraft Protocol
The Legal Advisory Panel of the Aviation Working Group, March 2023
This guide serves as an educational resource for the aviation finance community, providing information and commentary on the terms and applicability of the Cape Town Convention. It highlights best practices and specific guidance on topics relevant to aviation finance transactions including the registration of interests in an aircraft object and the specific requirements of the International Registry.
The International Registry for Aircraft Equipment – The First Seven Years, What We Have Learned
Authors: Rob Cowan, Donal Gallagher
Uniform Commercial Code Law Journal, Vol. 45, No. 3, 2014
This paper analyses the Registry’s first seven years of operation. It exams the practical experience, technological innovation, and judicial interpretation after the early years operation that have shaped its use within the aviation finance industry.
The International Registry for Aircraft Equipment: Breaking New Ground
Authors: Rob Cowan, Donal Gallagher
UNIDROIT Uniform Law Review, 2012
This paper provides an in-depth overview of the development and operation of the International Registry for Aircraft Equipment under the Cape Town Convention, offering practical lessons on electronic registration, governance, and the evolution of one of the world’s first international online legal registries.
Additional Resources
Further information on the Cape Town Convention and the International Registry can be found at:
Governance and Standards
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