US aviation groups oppose changes to ‘public charter’ rules

Seven prominent aviation groups have expressed opposition to changing US government rules governing “public charter” airlines like JSX – changes that may threaten such carriers’ ability to operate. The groups – representing airlines, aircraft manufacturers and others – sent a letter to the US government on 13 October warning that rule changes “could have unintended negative consequences” and be “detrimental to competition, innovation and aviation emerging technologies”. The signatories include the Airline Passenger Experience Association, General Aviation Manufacturers Association, Helicopter Association International, International Flight Services Association, National Air Transportation Association, National Association of State Aviation Officials and National Business Aviation Association. Earlier this year, the FAA issued a Notice of Intent asking for public comment about potential revisions to the regulatory definitions of “on-demand operation,” “supplemental operation” and “scheduled operation” under rules governing aviation in the USA. FAA regulations govern the operations of air carriers, while Department of Transportation (DOT) Part 380 regulations address economic authority for those companies. The current rules allow a part 380 operator to work with any air carrier, including on-demand carriers operating under the FAA’s Part 135. “For more than 45 years, Part 135 carriers have operated aircraft safely and reliably on behalf of public charter operators under DOT Part 380, unlocking substantial public benefits and providing valuable air transportation to many communities that otherwise would not have commercial air service,” the aviation groups said in their filing with the government. “Changing regulations could eliminate well-paying jobs at all levels of the industry while hurting economic competition, carbon emissions reduction, emerging technologies, aviation innovation and service to small communities,” they say.<br/>