With an impressive 21 years of expertise in the field, David Colindres has established himself as a leading expert in private jet and commercial aircraft affairs. He currently holds the prestigious position of President of the illustrious San Marino Aircraft Registry (SMAR), widely regarded as the top option for private jet owners globally.
David is a tremendous powerhouse in the business world with a broad skill set that includes negotiating, company planning, operations management, market research, and general leadership. Throughout his career, he has forged new routes and produced incredible outcomes because to his exceptional knowledge and judgment.
Born in Honduras, David showed great ambition at an early age. He started a new chapter at the age of 10 when he relocated to the exciting city of New York. There, he developed his skills and fed his enthusiasm for the aviation sector. David’s path was illuminated by his father, Jorge Colindres, who is the Chairman of Aviation Registry Group (ARG), a well-known consultancy specializing in civil aviation rules.
The Miami-based company ARG has become a leader in the area of public-private partnerships. Their creative strategy unites the public and private sectors, and in 2012 the San Marino Aircraft Registry was established. This innovative program has completely changed the way airplanes are registered, raising the bar for quality and effectiveness throughout the sector.
With David at the helm, SMAR has had incredible success over the past eleven years. Under his leadership, the registry has become synonymous with unparalleled quality and service. SMAR has risen to the top of its field thanks to David and his team’s commitment, diligence unrelenting dedication and passion for the industry.
David’s educational background provides a solid basis for his exceptional talents. He holds a Bachelor of Science in International Business & Marketing from Purdue University’s esteemed Krannert School of Management. His ability to navigate complex challenges, adapt to evolving market dynamics, and identify untapped opportunities has solidified his reputation as an industry luminary.
San Marino Aircraft Registry
Being the first European-based Aircraft Registry to offer registration to both private and commercial operations, the demand for an Air Operator Certificate (AOC) has been high. The Republic of San Marino has already granted twenty-one (21) AOCs and has signed ICAO Article 83bis agreements with four (4) different countries: Republic of Serbia, Republic of Lebanon, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the Republic of Togo.
Cirium data from June 2023 reveals that the San Marino registry currently boasts 367 executive aircraft, positioning it above Malta (239) and the Isle of Man (223).
While there may be similarities with other registries, David Colindres explains that the establishment of the San Marino Aircraft Registry brings a whole new drive and dimension to the industry.
In terms of tax and service efficiency, the registry acknowledges their importance in the decision-making process for owners and operators. All aircraft registered in San Marino are exempt from VAT and import tax, provided that they are owned by foreign citizens or companies. Furthermore, the registry offers aircraft owners the freedom to choose their desired jurisdiction for structuring ownership and operation, without the need to incorporate a new San Marino company. To facilitate this, a streamlined and innovative legal framework has been created, enabling foreign individuals and companies to qualify for aircraft registration by appointing a representative residing in the Republic of San Marino. The registry is available to assist with the nomination of this representative, whose sole responsibility is to transmit relevant official notices and notifications from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to the owner.
The registration by domicile offers a smoother and faster transition to T7 registration, along with cost-effective fees. This streamlined and straightforward process typically allows for registration to be completed within 1 to 3 business days.
“This was a great innovation that transformed the way we register aircraft,” said David.
Driving Operational Excellence
David efficiently manages all aspects of operations, ensuring excellent product and service quality while maintaining a well-organized structure. The registry recognizes the value of its skilled human resources and strives to provide the best service and customer experience in the industry. The focus is on leveraging human strengths and market opportunities to drive profitable growth.
To stay ahead of the competition, the aircraft registry aims to be agile, responsive, and customer-centric. This requires embracing change, transforming customer experiences, and consistently outperforming competitors. It involves striking the right balance between standardized operations and innovative approaches. As an aircraft registry, SMAR team’s top priorities are safety and service excellence, along with a collaborative team approach. However, the company believes it also needs to embrace innovation, adapt to international standards, and follow industry best practices. David states that neglecting operations can lead to a decline in quality and an increase in costs, negatively impacting both operators and the overall business.
Embracing Joy and Positivity in Every Aspect of Life
David is a fun, humble, and charming individual who stands out as the leader of the top aircraft registry today. He has a unique quality that sets him apart, and people don’t typically think, “Oh, I’m just like him.” According to David, leadership is not about having a particular personality; it’s about how you behave.
Every morning, David’s favorite part of the day begins with spending time with his family. He enjoys the liveliness and expressiveness of his children before they head off to school. Afterward, David and his wife go to their home gym, which brings them joy. He particularly loves driving to the office while listening to uplifting music that energizes his body and soul.
As the day progresses, each minute counts. When David arrives at his office, he greets his team members with a smile and positive energy. He takes the time to hug and show appreciation to each member, as they contribute to his pride and happiness. Together, they work towards making each day better than the previous one.
“As you can see, I enjoy everything I do, all phases of my routine are equally important,” says David.
Exceeding Expectations with Swift Service and Global Reach
When it comes to choosing an aircraft registry, high-net worth individuals (HNWIs) and operators prioritize service above all else. SMAR understands this and ensures a swift process, getting clients airborne within just seven (7) days from the time of application. Our strategic focus is to exceed client expectations by providing exceptional safety and consistent services.
The private aviation industry is experiencing significant growth, especially due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. The demand for private jet flights continues to rise steadily as travelers are attracted to the added safety and convenience it offers. In the previous year, there were 5.3 million private jet flights worldwide, and the projected orders for new private jets are expected to reach a record high of $34.6 billion in 2023.
San Marino has become the registry of choice for many management companies of private jets operating privately or commercially, financiers and leasing companies by ensuring a broad range of qualified services and offering all the key elements of a “First-Class Jurisdiction” for aircraft registration, such as:
- Internationally compliant regulatory framework,
- Outstanding safety record,
- Safe and stable political environment
- Favourable tax and custom regime
- Competitive scheme of charges
- Perfection and enforcement of contractual rights and securities
- Competent and experienced support technical experts and inspectors.
David Colindres believes that the San Marino Aircraft Registry stands out due to its passionate and professional team of aviation experts. With a personalized approach to service and a worldwide presence, the registry understands the need for dedicated administrative and regulatory support in the complex and ever-changing aviation environment. To meet this demand, they have assembled a team of highly experienced and professional safety inspectors who possess the qualifications and capabilities to handle various aircraft types and operations.
As the Aircraft Registry expands its global presence, David and his team are committed to growing their resources and capacity accordingly. With a network of fifty-eight regulators and inspectors strategically positioned around the world, they are able to deliver fast and on-time decisions. Additionally, in order to cater to their VVIP clients visiting Costa Esmeralda, the registry has recently opened a new office at Olbia Airport in Sardinia.
Setting the Standard in Aviation Safety and Excellence
The San Marino Aircraft Registry was filled with pride and excitement as they celebrated the remarkable achievement of their esteemed partner, Marco Conti. The Director General of the San Marino Civil Aviation Authority was honored with the ICAO Council President’s Certificate during the 2016 opening ceremony at ICAO Headquarters in Montreal. This prestigious recognition serves as a testament to the registry’s unwavering dedication and significant contributions to aviation safety, particularly in the realm of private aviation.
The ICAO’s acknowledgment of Marco Conti’s accomplishments highlights the belief that leaders can truly make a difference. In addition, in July 2023 the Republic of San Marino has achieved the USA FAA Category 1 Rating, according to a recent Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announcement. The Category 1 rating recognizes San Marino civil aviation authority as compliant with ICAO standards and allows San Marino air carriers to operate services to the United States. Under a Category 1 rating, properly authorized San Marino AOC Holders “air carriers” are permitted to serve the United States and enter into code-share agreements with U.S. carriers.
The FAA explained that its IASA program “focuses on a country’s ability to adhere to international aviation safety standards and recommended practices.
“This is an excellent achievement for San Marino, this means that every San Marino commercial operator can now take direct flights to and from the United States to Rimini-San Marino Airport. This also opens the door for US citizens to reach the Italian Adriatic Riviera more quickly and easily through Rimini-San Marino airport,” said David Colindres, President of SMAR
It emphasizes the visionary mindset of individuals like David, who envision a bright future and work tirelessly to transform their organization into an ideal and unique entity. David’s charisma and persuasive abilities enable him to inspire others, breathing life into his visions and instilling excitement for the possibilities that lie ahead.
The strong partnership between the San Marino Aircraft Registry and the Government of San Marino, rooted in a shared commitment to excellence and safety, enables them to serve their clients in the best possible manner. They recognize the significance of providing a sense of security to those traveling to global hotspots.
Moving forward, David and his team remain dedicated to “Modelling the Way” by establishing standards of excellence and setting an example for others to follow. Their continuous efforts will ensure that the San Marino Aircraft Registry maintains its position as a leader in the aviation industry, delivering exceptional service and fostering a culture of safety.
Written by Steve Sanchez.
