U.S. International Air Service Program

The ACI-NA U.S. International Air Service Program is the forum for U.S. Airports interested in international air service and related issues, and promotes the common interests of participating U.S. airports. Established in 1983, currently about 40 airports participate in the program which is supported by a separate dues assessment.

It focuses on development of international air services to U.S. communities as well as protection of U.S. airport proprietary rights in international agreements and aviation relationships. Many of these agreements and relationships determine which U.S. cities receive international air service and the nature of foreign airline rights at U.S. airports.

It provides essential access to the negotiating table that allows for U.S. airports to promote and protect their interests with U.S. and foreign decision makers.

Program staff participates as a member of the U.S. delegations which negotiate international aviation issues and in preparations leading up to aviation consultations and decisions. The direct participation ensures that the U.S. is aware of general and specific U.S. Government/airport/community interests during the consultations. It enables staff to inform participating airports of ongoing developments so they can effectively pursue their interests with airlines and the governments.

Staff also provides timely information via e-mail to airports on:

• deliberations, meetings and negotiations
• international aviation issues through country- and issue-specific memos
• weekly updates, special reports

In association with ACI-NA, the group presents testimony to Congress and files comments with government agencies or committees on international aviation issues.

Finally, staff responds to U.S. airport requests for information on:

• government and airline contacts
• U.S. aviation agreements
• U.S. government regulations and procedures

Staff provides guidance to U.S. airports about strategies and contacts to use in pursuing their international air service and proprietary rights interests. Each year, the program sponsors ACI-NA's International Aviation Issues Seminar.