DOT Grants Brokers Charter Approval for Govt. Ops

The Air Charter Association of North America (Acana) has been working with the Department of Transportation to inform and educate the agency about the benefits and successful history of air charter brokers assisting government agencies with booking charter services. Last year, the DOT held inquiries into brokers that were arranging air charter services for government agencies under General Services Administration (GSA) contracts, initially deeming the practice unlawful. However, Acana was able to alter the DOT’s position, and the agency recently issued a final order granting certain air charter brokers indirect air carrier status, allowing them to provide air charter services on behalf of governmental agencies via a GSA award. “Within the next 12 months, Acana plans to hold a conference with quality Part 135 and 121 operators, along with ethically driven air charter brokers. The goal is to enhance best transaction practices, upholding likely measures that the DOT will enforce,” Acana chairman Scott Bickford told AIN. “We want to ensure that high standards are met on behalf of consumers when dealing with charter brokers and operators alike. Additionally, we anticipate meeting with DOT officials, again, to help shape new mandates.”