page counter OST-2007-0084 - Blanket Route Integration and Blanket Open-Skies Certificate Authority

Home | Search | Help
OST by Number | OST by Order | OST by Carrier | OST by Subject | OST by Day
OIA by Carrier/Subject | OIA by Day | FAA by Number | FAA by Subject | FAA by Day
Carrier Financials | Charter Office | Answer/Reply Calendar

Updated: Wednesday, October 15, 2008 7:38 AM


OST-2007-0084 - Blanket Route Integration and Blanket Open-Skies Certificate Authority


Blanket Route Integration Authority and Blanket Open-Skies Certificate Authority

OST-2007-0084
OST-2005-22228 - Streamlining Regulatory Procedures for Licensing US and Foreign Carriers

Served November 28, 2007

Notice Inviting Applications | Word

The Department continues to implement the regulatory streamlining initiative, announced in an August 2005 notice (Docket OST-2005-22228).  Under the streamlining initiative, the Department previously invited carriers to seek, and in response issued, blanket route integration certificates and blanket open-skies certificates to qualifying U.S. air carriers.

By Order 2006-1-1, we issued a five-year blanket route integration certificate to each U.S. air carrier that requested the blanket route integration authority in response to the August 2005 notice.  The certificate permits the carrier to integrate all of its route authority, both currently held and prospective (subject to applicable bilateral agreement provisions and certain standard conditions).   These certificates enable those U.S. carriers to enjoy greatly enhanced routing flexibility without the need to seek route integration authority as part of future exemption or certificate applications.

Subsequently, a number of other U.S. air carriers have requested blanket route integration authority and still others have requested route integration on a case-by-case basis.  Accordingly, since we are processing those applications, we are inviting other interested U.S. air carriers that do not currently hold a blanket route integration certificate to request one in this docket. The certificate would be subject to our standard certificate conditions, as well as the standard conditions we impose on awards of route integration authority.

Alaska Airlines, Inc. (Docket OST-2007-27790), Cargo 360, Inc. (Docket OST-2006-26419), Custom Air Transport, Inc. (Docket OST-2007-27790), and Southern Air, Inc. (Docket OST-2006-25478) have already filed applications requesting blanket route integration authority.  These carriers need not respond to this Notice.

We are prepared to entertain requests for the blanket open-skies certificates from additional U.S. carriers currently authorized to conduct foreign scheduled air transportation. The decision to grant a carrier blanket open-skies certificate authority will be done on a case-by-case basis.

We request that any U.S. air carrier interested in obtaining a blanket route integration certificate notify the Department no later than December 12, 2007 in Docket OST-2005-22228. U.S. air carriers who now wish to apply for blanket open-skies certificate authority, to conduct either all-cargo or combination services, should file applications with the Department in Docket OST-2007-0084, no later than December 12, 2007.

By: Paul Gretch



December 12, 2007

Application of ASA for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity

Re: In the Matter of Blanket Route Integration Authority - OST-2005-22228

ASA hereby applies for a certificate of public convenience and necessity authorizing ASA to engage in scheduled foreign air transportation of persons, property, and mail between the United States and all countries with which the United States has an open-skies (or MALIAT) agreement that is being applied (including authority to operate via the United States and intermediate points to a point or points within these countries, and beyond, to the extent the applicable aviation agreement grants such rights).

In addition, ASA hereby applies for a certificate of public convenience and necessity authorizing ASA to engage in scheduled foreign air transportation of persons, property, and mail between the United States and each of the following effectively open-entry countries in the Caribbean:

Anguilla
Antigua and Barbuda
Bahamas, The
Barbados
Belize
British Virgin Islands
Cayman Islands
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Grenada
Haiti
Montserrat
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Trinidad and Tobago
Turks and Caicos Islands

ASA anticipates that it will provide services under the requested certificate authority using suitable airplane types currently within its fleet or on order, including, but not limited to, ATR-72-210 turboprops with 66 passenger seats, and Canadair Regional Jets with 50-70 passenger seats.

Counsel: Hogan & Hartson, Robert Cohn, 202-637-4999, recohn@hhlaw.com


December 12, 2007

Application of Chautuaqua for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity

Re: In the Matter of Blanket Route Integration Authority - OST-2005-22228

Chautauqua hereby applies for a certificate of public convenience and necessity authorizing Chautauqua to engage in scheduled foreign air transportation of persons, property, and mail between the United States and all countries with which the United States has an open-skies (or MALIAT) agreement that is being applied (including authority to operate via the United States and intermediate points to a point or points within these countries, and beyond, to the extent the applicable aviation agreement grants such rights).

In addition, Chautauqua hereby applies for a certificate of public convenience and necessity authorizing Chautauqua to engage in scheduled foreign air transportation of persons, property, and mail between the United States and each of the following effectively open-entry countries in the Caribbean:

Anguilla
Antigua and Barbuda
Bahamas, The
Barbados
Belize
British Virgin Islands
Cayman Islands
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Grenada
Haiti
Montserrat
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Trinidad and Tobago
Turks and Caicos Islands

Chautauqua anticipates that it will provide services under the requested certificate authority using suitable airplane types currently within its fleet or on order.

Counsel: Hogan & Hartson, Robert Cohn, 202-637-4999, recohn@hhlaw.com


December 12, 2007

Application of Comair for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity

Re: In the Matter of Blanket Route Integration Authority - OST-2005-22228

Comair hereby applies for a certificate of public convenience and necessity authorizing Comair to engage in scheduled foreign air transportation of persons, property, and mail between the United States and all countries with which the United States has an open-skies (or MALIAT) agreement that is being applied (including authority to operate via the United States and intermediate points to a point or points within these countries, and beyond, to the extent the applicable aviation agreement grants such rights).

In addition, Comair hereby applies for a certificate of public convenience and necessity authorizing Comair to engage in scheduled foreign air transportation of persons, property, and mail between the United States and each of the following effectively open-entry countries in the Caribbean:

Anguilla
Antigua and Barbuda
Bahamas, The
Barbados
Belize
British Virgin Islands
Cayman Islands
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Grenada
Haiti
Montserrat
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Trinidad and Tobago
Turks and Caicos Islands

Comair anticipates that it will provide services under the requested certificate authority using suitable airplane types currently within its fleet or on order, including, but not limited to, Canadair Regional Jets with 50-76 passenger seats.

Counsel: Hogan & Hartson, Robert Cohn, 202-637-4999, recohn@hhlaw.com


December 12, 2007

Application of Freedom Airlines for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity

Re: In the Matter of Blanket Route Integration Authority - OST-2005-22228

Freedom hereby applies for a certificate of public convenience and necessity authorizing Freedom to engage in scheduled foreign air transportation of persons, property, and mail between the United States and all countries with which the United States has an open-skies (or MALIAT) agreement that is being applied (including authority to operate via the United States and intermediate points to a point or points within these countries, and beyond, to the extent the applicable aviation agreement grants such rights).

In addition, Freedom hereby applies for a certificate of public convenience and necessity authorizing Freedom to engage in scheduled foreign air transportation of persons, property, and mail between the United States and each of the following effectively open-entry countries in the Caribbean:

Anguilla
Antigua and Barbuda
Bahamas, The
Barbados
Belize
British Virgin Islands
Cayman Islands
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Grenada
Haiti
Montserrat
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Trinidad and Tobago
Turks and Caicos Islands

Freedom anticipates that it will provide servIces under the requested certificate authority using suitable airplane types currently within its fleet or on order, including, but not limited to, CRJ-900 regional jets with 76 passenger seats.

Counsel: Hogan & Hartson, Robert Cohn, 202-637-4999, recohn@hhlaw.com


December 12, 2007

Application of Mesa for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity

Re: In the Matter of Blanket Route Integration Authority - OST-2005-22228

Mesa hereby applies for a certificate of public convenience and necessity authorizing Mesa to engage in scheduled foreign air transportation of persons, property, and mail between the United States and all countries with which the United States has an open-skies (or MALIAT) agreement that is being applied (including authority to operate via the United States and intermediate points to a point or points within these countries, and beyond, to the extent the applicable aviation agreement grants such rights).

In addition, Mesa hereby applies for a certificate of public convenience and necessity authorizing Mesa to engage in scheduled foreign air transportation of persons, property, and mail between the United States and each of the following effectively open-entry countries in the Caribbean:

Anguilla
Antigua and Barbuda
Bahamas, The
Barbados
Belize
British Virgin Islands
Cayman Islands
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Grenada
Haiti
Montserrat
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Trinidad and Tobago
Turks and Caicos Islands

Mesa anticipates that it will provide services under the requested certificate authority using suitable airplane types currently within its fleet or on order, including, but not limited to, Canadair regional jets with up to 86 passenger seats.

Counsel: Hogan & Hartson, Robert Cohn, 202-637-4999, recohn@hhlaw.com


December 12, 2007

Application of Republic for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity

Re: In the Matter of Blanket Route Integration Authority - OST-2005-22228

Republic hereby applies for a certificate of public convenience and necessity authorizing Republic to engage in scheduled foreign air transportation of persons, property, and mail between the United States and all countries with which the United States has an open-skies (or MALIAT) agreement that is being applied (including authority to operate via the United States and intermediate points to a point or points within these countries, and beyond, to the extent the applicable aviation agreement grants such rights).

In addition, Republic hereby applies for a certificate of public convenience and necessity authorizing Republic to engage in scheduled foreign air transportation of persons, property, and mail between the United States and each of the following effectively open-entry countries in the Caribbean:

Anguilla
Antigua and Barbuda
Bahamas, The
Barbados
Belize
British Virgin Islands
Cayman Islands
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Grenada
Haiti
Montserrat
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Trinidad and Tobago
Turks and Caicos Islands

Republic anticipates that it will provide services under the requested certificate authority using suitable airplane types currently within its fleet or on order, including, but not limited to, Embraer 170 and Embraer 175 regional jets configured with 72-86 passenger seats.

Counsel: Hogan & Hartson, Robert Cohn, 202-637-4999, recohn@hhlaw.com


December 12, 2007

Application of Shuttle America for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity

Re: In the Matter of Blanket Route Integration Authority - OST-2005-22228

Shuttle America hereby applies for a certificate of public convenience and necessity authorizing Shuttle America to engage in scheduled foreign air transportation of persons, property, and mail between the United States and all countries with which the United States has an open-skies (or MALIAT) agreement that is being applied (including authority to operate via the United States and intermediate points to a point or points within these countries, and beyond, to the extent the applicable aviation agreement grants such rights).

In addition, Shuttle America hereby applies for a certificate of public convenience and necessity authorizing Shuttle America to engage in scheduled foreign air transportation of persons, property, and mail between the United States and each of the following effectively open-entry countries in the Caribbean:

Anguilla
Antigua and Barbuda
Bahamas, The
Barbados
Belize
British Virgin Islands
Cayman Islands
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Grenada
Haiti
Montserrat
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Trinidad and Tobago
Turks and Caicos Islands

Shuttle America anticipates that it will provide services under the requested certificate authority using suitable airplane types currently within its fleet or on order, including, but not limited to, Embraer 170 regional jets.

Counsel: Hogan & Hartson, Robert Cohn, 202-637-4999, recohn@hhlaw.com



OST-2007-0084 - Blanket Route Integration Authority and Blanket Open-Skies Certificate Authority
OST-2005-22228 - Streamlining Regulatory Procedures for Licensing US and Foreign Carriers

December 18, 2007

Application of SkyWest for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity and Motion for Leave to File

SkyWest hereby applies for a certificate of public convenience and necessity authorizing SkyWest to engage in scheduled foreign air transportation of persons, property and mail, including authority to operate via the U.S. and intermediate points to a point or points within countries with which the U.S. has a bilateral or multilateral open skies agreement.

Further, SkyWest applies for a certificate of public convenience and necessity authorizing it to engage in scheduled foreign air transportation of persons, property and mail between the U.S. and each of the following effectively open-entry Caribbean countries:

Anguila
Antigua and Barbuda
The Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
British Virgin Islands
Cayman Islands
Dominica
Dominican Republic
Grenada
Haiti
Montserrat
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent & the
Grenadines
Trinidad & Tobago
Turks & Caicos

SkyWest requests that the Department consider its application in parallel to the other applications pending in this docket and that the Department also require that any answers be due on January 2, 2008.

Counsel: Crowell & Moring, Lorraine Halloway, 202-624-2500, lhalloway@crowell.com



Pinnacle Airlines, Inc.

OST-2007-0084 - Blanket Route Integration Authority and Blanket Open-Skies Certificate Authority

February 25, 2008

Application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity

Pinnacle Airlines, Inc. applies for a certificate of public convenience and necessity to engage in scheduled foreign air transportation of persons, property and mail between (i) a point or points in the United States and a point or points in all countries with existing "Open Skies" Air Services Agreements with the United States, via intermediate points and beyond; and (ii) a point or points in the United States and a point or points in all countries that in the future become U.S. open-skies partners, via intermediate points and beyond. Pinnacle requests that all authority issued in response to this application be effective for an indefinite period.

Pinnacle operates primarily scheduled service between various points in the United States as well as between points in the United States and points in Canada and Mexico, all pursuant to capacity purchase agreements with various code-share partners. Pinnacle anticipates that in the future as more open-skies agreements are reached with countries in the Caribbean and Central America, its code-share partners will request expansion of the points Pinnacle serves pursuant to these capacity purchase agreements to include additional foreign markets. The open-skies authority requested here is ideally suited to that purpose since it will maximize flexibility enabling flights to operate from less prominent foreign points of origin. Issuance of such authority would eliminate the need for multiple applications for non-controversial exemption or certificate authority, conserving the Department's and Pinnacle's time and resources.

Counsel: Garofalo Goerlich, Gary Garofalo, 202-776-3970, ggarofalo@ggh-airlaw.com



Colgan Air, Inc.

OST-2007-0084 - Blanket Route Integration Authority and Blanket Open-Skies Certificate Authority

March 7, 2008

Application for a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity

Colgan Air, Inc. applies for a certificate of public convenience and necessity to engage in scheduled foreign air transportation of persons, property and mail between (i) a point or points in the United States and a point or points in all countries with existing "Open Skies" Air Services Agreements with the United States via intermediate points and beyond; and (ii) a point or points in the United States and a point or points in all countries that in the future become U.S. open-skies partners, via intermediate points and beyond. Colgan requests that all authority issued in response to this application be effective for an indefinite period.

Colgan operates primarily scheduled service between various points in the United States as well as between points in the United States and points in Canada, all pursuant to capacity purchase agreements with various code-share partners. Colgan anticipates that in the future as more open-skies agreements are reached with countries in the Caribbean and Central America, its code-share partners will request expansion of the points Colgan serves pursuant to these capacity purchase agreements to include additional foreign markets. The open-skies authority requested here is ideally suited to that purpose since it will maximize flexibility enabling flights to operate from less prominent foreign points of origin.

Counsel: Garofalo Goerlich, Gary Goerlich, 202-776-3970, ggarofalo@ggh-airlaw.com



Order 2008-4-26
OST-2007-0084

Issued April 14, 2008 | Served April 15, 2008

Order Issuing Certificates

Under assigned authority and consistent with our streamlining and blanket open-skies certificate initiatives, we have decided to grant ASA, Chautauqua, Comair, Mesa, Republic, Shuttle America, and SkyWest certificate authority to serve all open-skies partners, that is, foreign aviation partners with which the United States has entered into an open-skies agreement where that agreement is being applied. We have also decided to grant to each captioned carrier certificate authority to serve Brunei Darussalam, Chile, Cook Islands, New Zealand, Samoa, Singapore, and Tonga, each a signatory to the Multilateral Agreement on the Liberalization of International Air Transportation. Our action here establishes for the carrier a new route certificate. We find that grant of the certificate is consistent with the public convenience and necessity. We find further that the pending requests for open-skies authority are not controversial and that it is appropriate to grant the authority at issue here under simplified procedures.

We will also grant each carrier blanket authority such that when an additional foreign aviation partner enters into an open-skies agreement with the United States, and where that agreement is being applied, authority to serve that open-skies partner will automatically be included as part of the carrier’s certificate authority without the need for further action by the Department or the carrier. We find that the award of such authority, on a prospective basis, with the enhanced administrative convenience it would accord to the carrier, is consistent with the public interest.

By: Paul Gretch



Order 2008-10-8
OST-2007-0084

Issued August 8, 2008 | Served October 9, 2008

Order Issuing Certificates

By this order we grant Colgan Air, Inc. and Pinnacle Airlines, Inc. certificate authority to provide combination service to all of our foreign aviation partners that have entered into an open-skies agreement with the United States where that agreement is being applied.

Pinnacle is authorized to engage in scheduled air transportation services using large aircraft, subject to the restriction that Pinnacle’s operations are performed under an agreement with a major U.S. carrier and that Pinnacle operates no more than 16 large aircraft (see Orders 2007-10-27 and 2008-1-1). Colgan is authorized to engage in scheduled air transportation services using large aircraft, subject to the restriction that Colgan’s operations are performed under an agreement with a major U.S. carrier and that Colgan operates no more than 15 large aircraft (see Orders 2007-11-22 and 2008-1-17). We will retain the restrictions in the authorities awarded here.

By: Paul Gretch


Home | Search | Help
OST by Number | OST by Order | OST by Carrier | OST by Subject | OST by Day
OIA by Carrier/Subject | OIA by Day | FAA by Number | FAA by Subject | FAA by Day
Carrier Financials | Charter Office | Answer/Reply Calendar