In today’s globalized aviation ecosystem, where precision, safety, and diplomacy intersect at 30,000 feet, regulatory leaders must embody more than just compliance—they must be visionary, responsive, and collaborative. Among this elite cadre stands Thomas Dunstan, Director General of the Bermuda Civil Aviation Authority (BCAA), whose leadership has elevated Bermuda’s role in international aviation to remarkable new heights.

From building trust across jurisdictions to driving technological evolution within the registry, Dunstan is shaping the way small-state regulators influence the skies—and doing it with authenticity, operational excellence, and a sharp eye on the future.

From Childhood Dream to Global Authority

The journey that would eventually steer Thomas Dunstan to the helm of one of the world’s most trusted aviation regulators began, appropriately, with fascination. “I have been captivated by aircraft and flying for as long as I can remember,” he recalls. This wasn’t mere curiosity—it was a passion that shaped his academic and professional trajectory. Dunstan pursued a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management and Flight Operations at Daniel Webster College in New Hampshire, where he also secured FAA commercial pilot licences with multi-engine, instrument, and instructor ratings.

This robust foundation, combining flight proficiency with operational management, set him apart early in his career. Before returning to Bermuda, he earned Canadian equivalent licenses and joined the Department of Airport Operations, where he worked for a decade before transitioning to the Bermuda Department of Civil Aviation in 2006. When the Department evolved into a quasi-autonomous non-governmental organization in 2016—becoming the Bermuda Civil Aviation Authority—Dunstan was named its first Director General.

Today, he stands at the intersection of tradition and transformation, overseeing a registry with global reach and an exceptional reputation.

Leadership That Evolves with Purpose

For Dunstan, success at the regulatory level hinges not only on infrastructure or law but also on people—and leadership must evolve in tandem with organizational goals. “To be successful, the Authority must continue evolving, and that includes me,” he notes. He invests deeply in personal and organizational development by participating in industry conferences, supporting team learning, and implementing strategic plans that respond to the shifting aviation landscape.

Leadership at BCAA isn’t transactional. It’s deeply human. “Taking care of my team is one of my foremost priorities,” he emphasizes. “I am fortunate to be surrounded by an extremely talented and accomplished group of individuals, and I take my relationship with them very seriously.”

This human-centered style—marked by trust, humility, and shared goals—forms the internal engine of BCAA’s global success. Mistakes aren’t punished; they’re treated as learning opportunities. Vulnerability is accepted as a foundation for innovation. This culture of openness, Dunstan believes, is critical in ensuring that everyone grows in the same direction, especially when navigating complex global challenges.

Guiding Principles for Regulatory Excellence

Four cardinal principles—safety, integrity, credibility, and transparency—guide both Dunstan’s personal approach and the BCAA’s operational framework. These aren’t abstract ideals. They are embedded in every decision, every inspection, and every client interaction.

As an authentic leader, Dunstan prioritizes consistency between words and actions. “I aim to lead by example,” he says. “I’m realistic, pragmatic, and flexible, and I believe I’ve coped well while leading the Authority through a number of challenging pivots over the past several years.”

This pragmatic yet principled stance has made BCAA one of the most respected aviation regulators in the world—a role it maintains through performance, not proclamations.

The Bermuda Aircraft Registry: A Global Model

The Bermuda Aircraft Registry is no ordinary institution. Established as the world’s oldest offshore aircraft registry, it has adapted through decades of change and expansion. Today, its international influence is immense.

“We have inspectors working out of our main offices in Bermuda and Farnborough (UK). We also have designated and contracted inspectors in Canada, China, Romania, Switzerland, and the United States.”

The Registry supports everything from private jets to Boeing 787s, 747s, and 777s—demonstrating flexibility in both scope and scale. BCAA has proven itself capable of managing aircraft of any size and category, providing clients with a regulatory environment that meets the highest global standards.

Moreover, BCAA’s responsiveness has cemented its appeal to operators navigating increasingly complex regulatory environments. “Our approach is based on efficiency, adaptability, and commitment to safety. We continue to focus on servicing our clients in the most efficient manner and adapting as necessary.”

A Registry That Puts People First

Unlike some authorities where compliance can feel bureaucratic, the Bermuda Aircraft Registry is laser-focused on client experience. “Our tagline—‘Putting you at the centre of everything we do’—is more than just marketing,” Dunstan says. “It applies to both external and internal stakeholders and is a motto that guides our actions every day.”

What makes the Registry particularly attractive?

• ICAO Compliance: BCCA meets and exceeds International Civil Aviation Organization standards.
• Legal Clarity: English common law is used, with access to the UK Privy Council for legal appeals.
• Tax Neutrality: Zero income, corporate, withholding, or capital gains taxes.
• Broad Certification Acceptance: Including FAA, EASA, ANAC (Brazil), and Transport Canada.
• Asset Protection: Through compliance with the Cape Town Convention and access to robust mortgage registries.

This collection of features makes BCCA a preferred choice for operators who value legal certainty, cost efficiency, and operational flexibility.

Diplomatic Relationships in a Global Industry

Dunstan understands that aviation regulation is not conducted in isolation. “Aviation is a close-knit global industry—especially when it comes to regulatory matters,” he notes. BCAA is constantly engaging with foreign civil aviation authorities and global agencies to ensure alignment and coordination.

Open dialogue, frequent meetings, and mutual respect define BCAA’s international outreach. The Authority also maintains a regular presence at regulatory meetings, conferences, and industry summits. These touchpoints aren’t just ceremonial—they’re critical to staying ahead of trends, learning from peers, and shaping policies that work across jurisdictions.

Strategic Expansion with Purpose

BCAA’s expansion into Asia-Pacific and the Middle East was no accident—it was a data-informed, deliberate strategy. “Through market research, including attending events and conferences, we get a sense of where the opportunities lie,” Dunstan shares. Building relationships in these new markets required time and persistence. “Trust doesn’t happen overnight—but it’s ultimately worth the effort.”

The expansion fits into a larger institutional push for succession planning, diversification, and sustainable growth. BCAA isn’t resting on its legacy—it’s actively forging a resilient future.

Modernizing Regulation with a Human Touch

One of BCAA’s most significant achievements under Dunstan’s leadership was being among the first jurisdictions to fully implement the ICAO Annex 6 Part II requirements. “We were probably the first jurisdiction that met all the new requirements,” he notes. This proactive approach underscores Bermuda’s commitment to maintaining the highest global safety standards while ensuring the regulatory framework evolves alongside industry needs.

But what sets BCAA apart isn’t just its ability to modernize regulations—it’s the way it does so without losing sight of client experience. Dunstan and his team have mastered the art of balancing strict compliance with user-friendly, pragmatic service. “We’re adaptable and flexible with our customers,” he says. “When unique situations come up, we maintain our regulatory requirements while also accommodating business needs.”

This philosophy—grounded in realism and mutual respect—positions BCAA as a problem-solving partner rather than a bureaucratic gatekeeper. “We look at the interpretation of regulations and work with operators to help them complete the work they need to do,” he explains. “Safety is always paramount, but we strive to be as pragmatic as possible.”

By combining regulatory excellence with empathetic service delivery, BCAA proves that modernization and customer-centricity don’t have to be mutually exclusive—they can, in fact, elevate each other.

Technology, ESG, and the Next Chapter

As the aviation industry moves toward digitization and sustainability, BCAA is keeping pace. “We are in the process of replacing our main regulatory management database system,” Dunstan notes. The Authority also closely monitors updates from ICAO and other regulatory bodies to ensure policies reflect the latest technologies and global shifts.

Environmental sustainability is also moving up BCAA’s agenda. “One of our longer-term priorities is to be a vocal industry participant in sustainability conversations,” he states. That includes leveraging emerging technologies to reduce carbon footprints, enhance energy efficiency, and align with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) objectives.

Building a Future-Ready Team

Dunstan attributes much of BCAA’s success to the culture of trust and communication within the organization. “When team members trust each other and feel comfortable sharing their ideas and concerns, it fosters a collaborative environment where everyone is working toward common goals.”

This leadership philosophy has generated tangible results:

• Faster issue resolution thanks to open communication.
• Higher innovation due to psychological safety and shared ownership.
• Better engagement, which leads to improved performance.
• Superior customer outcomes, built on strong internal alignment.

“In a global organization like ours, coordination across time zones and cultures is necessary. It’s only possible with strong internal cohesion,” Dunstan says.

Small-State Leadership on a Global Stage

What can small-state regulators teach the world? Plenty, according to Dunstan. “Generally speaking, small-state aviation regulators are more adaptable and nimble,” he says. These qualities allow them to implement creative solutions, collaborate quickly, and remain flexible amid global volatility.

In shaping aviation policy, these smaller players offer big lessons: responsiveness, innovation, and human-centered regulation.

A Legacy of Integrity and Global Impact

When asked about the legacy he hopes to leave, Dunstan responds with characteristic humility. “It’s not about personal accolades. My hope is that I leave the industry in better shape than when I started.” That includes delivering outstanding service, ensuring exemplary safety records, and expanding Bermuda’s global footprint in responsible and sustainable ways.

For him, the true measure of leadership lies in elevating others—his team, his clients, and the global aviation community. As the world continues to navigate complexity, change, and opportunity, Thomas Dunstan remains a steady hand at the controls—leading with clarity, compassion, and conviction.

Advice for the Next Generation

To those stepping into aviation regulation, Dunstan offers pragmatic and principled advice: “Always put safety first and never take shortcuts. Do the right thing, which quite often is not the easy thing.”

He also urges regulators to remain agile: “This industry is always evolving. We need a thorough review of regulations, procedures, and policies to allow operations during crises.”