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Aviation Policy

In This Section

Country Specific Information

OverviewEuropean Commission (EU)

The U.S. has been exploring potential forums for expanding aviation opportunities beyond those available through the traditional system of bilateral agreements. Although EU Commission does not have full negotiating authority from the member states, we are...

Designation Requests

Air service agreements sometime require that the U.S. Government formally notify its foreign aviation partners, in writing, that a particular U.S. airline may provide services pursuant to the applicable agreement.  This communication is commonly referred to as a “designation.”

Doing Business Issues

Resolving Doing-Business Issues

U.S. airlines sometimes encounter difficulties in conducting their international operations. The Office of International Aviation coordinates among U.S. government agencies and works with its foreign counterparts to resolve these “doing-business” issues.  If...

Air Service Agreements

The Office of International Aviation and the U.S. Department of State negotiate bilateral and multilateral air service agreements with the United States’ foreign aviation partners.  Such agreements provide the basis for airlines of the countries involved to provide international air...

Slots and Exemptions

Slots and Slot Exemptions

At certain U.S. airports, demand for runway operations exceeds available capacity. At these airports, the Department has implemented operational limitations to relieve congestion in the form of airport slots. A slot is an authorization to conduct an...

Alaskan Mail Rates

Overview

49 USC 41903 requires that duly licensed U.S. certificated carriers transport mail on their authorized foreign air transportation service and their services within Alaska. 49 USC 41901 and 41907 require the Department to “set fair and reasonable rates” that the U.S. Postal Service will...