NEW USER FEES which cover flights through US-controlled airspace which neither take off from or land in the USA have raised a storm of protest from foreign airlines.
The fees, to be assessed against commercial and general-aviation aircraft, were authorised by US Congress in 1996. The US Federal Aviation Administration says that they are consistent with international practices.
The issue was aired at a public hearing on 1 May , where speakers criticised the structural basis of the new fees and the process by which the aviation agency made the interim final rule. Several speakers expressed concern that other nations will follow suit and implement similar fees.
The Air Transport Association of Canada has filed an official protest, while the International Air Transport Association has filed a motion to delay implementation of the fees pending consultation with the airlines affected.
The fees are based on distance flown through airspace controlled by the FAA, but will not apply to any government-owned aircraft.
Piston-powered general-aviation aircraft will not be charged a fee for overflights of less than 460km (250nm). All commercial aircraft will pay the same fee, but there are different fees for general-aviation aircraft.
The FAA will continue to gather information until mid-July about the interim final rule, which goes into effect 19 May. Unless there is a change of heart, a final rule will be issued after the comments have been considered.
Source: Flight International
