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Exemption for 125 carriers to provide Katrina relief support

Notice to Air Carriers and Insurance Providers

Air Carrier Economic Authority

Under Title 49 of the United States Code, anyone who wants to provide air transportation service as a U.S. air carrier or foreign air carrier must first obtain two separate authorizations from the Department of Transportation: "safety" authority from the Federal Aviation Administration and "economic" authority from the Office of the Secretary of Transportation. Economic authority for U.S. carriers may be in the form of either a certificate for interstate or foreign passengers and/or cargo and mail authority, an all-cargo air transportation certificate, or authorization as a commuter air carrier. Economic authority for foreign carriers may be in the form of either a foreign air carrier permit or an exemption. For more information on the economic licensing process, please review the publications below. Information on public charter authority can be found on the Public Charter Page.

For more information on U.S. air carrier licensing, contact the Air Carrier Fitness Division at (202) 366-9721.

How-To Publications (PDF Format)

Liability Insurance and Commuter Registration Forms (PDF Format)

Certificated and Commuter Carriers (PDF Format)

Current Applicants (PDF Format)

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