United States Mission to the United Nations Office of Press and Public Diplomacy For Immediate Release August 31, 2021 Statement by Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield on the Inaugural International Day for People of African Descent Today, we join people around the world in commemorating the first International Day for People of African Descent. By creating this day, …

WASHINGTON (Aug. 10, 2021) — The National Transportation Safety Board, during a public meeting held Tuesday, recommended the Federal Aviation Administration, the National Weather Service and airline industry associations take specific actions to reduce the number of turbulence-related injuries in air carrier operations. “Pilot reports of turbulence conditions are a tremendous help to both pilots …

National Press Release Wednesday, August 4, 2021 WASHINGTON – Transportation Security Administration Administrator David P. Pekoske announced 33 members to serve on the Aviation Security Advisory Committee (ASAC), which provides recommendations for improving aviation security. The ASAC was initially established in 1989 following the destruction of Pan American World Airways Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland …

FACT SHEET: President Biden Announces Major Milestone in Administration’s Global Vaccination Efforts: More Than 100 Million U.S. COVID-⁠19 Vaccine Doses Donated and Shipped Abroad Building off of last week’s announcement of  additional actions  that we are taking to stop the spread of the Delta variant and get more people vaccinated in the United States, President Biden will …

The FAA has seen a disturbing  increase in incidents  where airline passengers have disrupted flights with threatening or violent behavior. On January 13, 2021, FAA Administrator Steve Dickson signed  an order  directing a stricter legal enforcement policy against unruly airline passengers in the wake of recent, troubling incidents. Historically, the agency has addressed unruly-passenger incidents using a variety of methods ranging from warnings and …

Friday, July 16, 2021 WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation today released its July 2021 Air Travel Consumer Report (ATCR) on airline operational data compiled for the month of May 2021. The ATCR is designed to assist consumers with information on the quality of services provided by airlines. The ATCR and other aviation consumer matters …

Darby LaJoye Executive Assistant Administrator, Security Operations Tuesday, July 20, 2021 Good morning Chairwoman Watson Coleman, Ranking Member Gimenez, and distinguished members of the Subcommittee.  Thank you for inviting us to testify before you today and we appreciate the opportunity to discuss Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA’s) operations. First and foremost, we would like to recognize …

For Immediate Release July 6, 2021 Contact: pressoffice@faa.gov WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released a new  public service announcement  and levied $119,000 in civil penalties against passengers for alleged violations of federal regulations as part of its Zero Tolerance efforts against unruly behavior. As part of the FAA’s Zero Tolerance campaign, the  web video  features …

For Immediate Release July 8, 2021 Contact: pressoffice@faa.gov Increases the safety and efficiency of the National Airspace System WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) can now track a space launch or reentry vehicle in near-real time as it travels through the National Airspace System. This new capability increases safety for all …

Friday, July 9, 2021 WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation (Department) today announced that it is publishing a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that would require airlines to refund fees for checked bags that are significantly delayed and for ancillary services, such as advance seat selection and wi-fi, when consumers pay for them but …

The FAA amended an exemption authorizing airlines to  transport cargo that is secured to the seat tracks  (PDF) of a passenger aircraft when seats are removed and no passengers are in the cabin. This amendment extends the exemption through December 31, 2021. The FAA also amended an exemption that allows airlines to  secure cargo to passenger seats  (PDF) when no passengers are in the cabin. The amendment extends the exemption through December 31, …

Tuesday, June 29, 2021 Today, June 29, 2021, the U.S. Department of Transportation issued an order proposing to prohibit the sale of passenger air transportation, including air transportation on an interline basis (e.g. tickets booked through one airline that contain flights operated by multiple airlines), between the United States and Belarus. DOT’s order is premised …

For Immediate Release June 14, 2021 Contact: Pressoffice@faa.gov WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes civil penalties ranging from $7,500 to $15,500 against four airline passengers for allegedly interfering with flight attendants who instructed them to obey cabin crew instructions and various federal regulations. The enforcement actions announced today are …

U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of Aviation Consumer Protection Initiates Enforcement Proceeding Seeking Approximately $25 million Against Air Canada for Extreme Delays in Providing Required Refunds   Tuesday, June 15, 2021 WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Office of Aviation Consumer Protection (OACP) today announced that it has filed a formal complaint against Air …

Tuesday, June 15, 2021 $3 Billion can be used to help cover employee compensation costs for up to six months WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced the launch of the Aviation Manufacturing Jobs Protection (AMJP) program . The Department is encouraging eligible businesses of all sizes to apply for funding to protect jobs for workers as the …

United States and EU Reach Agreement to Address Shared Challenges from China At the outset of his trip, the President was clear that his goal was to demonstrate the capacity of democracies to both meet the challenges and deter the threats of this new age. And, he was clear that he wanted to demonstrate that the United States could …

Today, the United States and the European Union made a major breakthrough in the Boeing-Airbus trade dispute, which has lasted more than 16 years. Both the U.S. and EU agreed to suspend our tariffs for five years, and we committed to ensuring a level playing field for our companies and our workers. Significantly, we also …

Secure and Streamlined Travel through Facial Biometrics DENVER — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in partnership with the Denver’s Department of Aviation, announced today the implementation of the Simplified Arrival process at Denver International Airport (DEN). CBP’s enhanced international arrival process uses facial biometrics to automate the manual document checks that are already required for admission …

Highest screening volume since pandemic began National Press Release Saturday, June 12, 2021 WASHINGTON—The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) surpassed the 2 million threshold for travelers screened in one day on Friday, June 11, when 2,028,961 people were screened at airport security checkpoints. It marked the first time that more than 2 million individuals were screened …

WASHINGTON — The Boeing Company will pay at least $17 million in penalties and undertake multiple corrective actions with its production under a  settlement agreement  (PDF) with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA found that the Chicago-based manufacturer  installed equipment  on 759 Boeing 737 MAX and NG aircraft containing sensors that were not approved for that equipment; submitted approximately 178 …

WASHINGTON — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)  issued an alert  (PDF) advising U.S. passenger airlines to exercise extreme caution while flying over Belarus. The FAA’s Notice to Airmen says airlines should continue to exercise extreme caution until the agency can better assess Belarus’ actions surrounding the May 23 diversion of a passenger jet and the potential for Belarus to repeat similar actions in the future. The FAA is working closely with other …

U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg Unveils $88 billion FY 2022 Budget Proposal to Ensure Safety, Address Climate Change, and Create Economic Strength, Good Paying Jobs and Equitable Access to Opportunity   Friday, May 28, 2021 WASHINGTON – The Biden-Harris Administration today submitted to Congress the President’s Budget for fiscal year 2022. As the Administration continues …

WASHINGTON – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) continues to ramp up and refine operations for expected increased passenger travel volumes in advance of the Memorial Day holiday weekend and throughout the summer months. “As we head into a summer where we hope to see a tremendous reemergence of domestic travel and the economic prosperity that …

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed civil penalties ranging from $9,000 to $15,000 against five airline passengers for allegedly interfering with and, in two cases, assaulting flight attendants who instructed them to obey cabin crew instructions and various federal regulations. The enforcement actions announced today are part of the FAA’s zero-tolerance policy for unruly …

CHICAGO — The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will seek comments from the public as it begins an Environmental Assessment to evaluate a multi-billion dollar O’Hare International Airport project proposed by the Chicago Department of Aviation. The proposed project involves the airport’s terminal area, numerous capital improvement projects and hotel development. In addition, as part of the assessment, …

WASHINGTON – A new rule from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will enable the sharing of pilot records among employers in an electronic database maintained by the agency. The  final rule  (PDF) for the Pilot Records Database requires air carriers and certain other operators to report pilots’ employment history, training, and qualifications to the database. The rule also requires …

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation today released its May 2021 Air Travel Consumer Report (ATCR) on airline operational data compiled for the month of March 2021.  The ATCR is designed to assist consumers with information on the quality of services provided by airlines.  The ATCR and other aviation consumer matters of interest to …

What travelers need to know about how the TSA checkpoint experience has changed as a result of the pandemic PITTSBURGH – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects to see travel volume increase out of Pittsburgh International Airport this summer and the agency is prepared to handle the increase in travelers while remaining committed to supporting …

BUFFALO, N.Y. – An increase in the number of travelers is expected to fly out of Buffalo Niagara International Airport this summer and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is prepared to handle the increased travel volume while remaining committed to supporting a healthy and secure environment for airline passengers, TSA employees and airport personnel. However, …

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – As summer travel approaches, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) expects to see an uptick in the number of travelers who will be flying out of Syracuse Hancock International Airport. “TSA is prepared to handle the increased travel volume while remaining committed to supporting a healthy and secure environment for airline passengers, TSA …

Fort Myers – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is ready for the continued surge in travelers at Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) and across the country.  Acrylic barriers and upgraded technology now reduce or eliminate physical contact between passengers and TSA staff. But as you prepare to fly after what could be a year or …

ROCHESTER, N.Y. – With Memorial Day Weekend about to kick off, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is ready for the expected increase in the number of travelers who will be flying out of Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport. “We are prepared to handle the expected increase in travel volume this summer and at the …

Belarus’s forced diversion of a commercial Ryanair flight, traveling between two member states of the European Union, and subsequent removal and arrest of Raman Pratasevich, a Belarusian journalist traveling abroad, are a direct affront to international norms. The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms both the diversion of the plane and the subsequent …

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) will co-host Episodes III and IV of the virtual  FAA Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Symposium – Remotely Piloted Edition . The theme for this year’s virtual event is “Above and Beyond” and will take place on June 9-10, 2021, and September 14-15, 2021. Register now  to  join the conversation as experts from industry, academia, …

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is increasing pilot safety and airspace awareness by marking more space launch activity areas on navigation  charts . Adding space launch activity areas to the navigation charts used by pilots who fly visually responds to the recent and expected continued growth of commercial space operations. All 12 FAA-licensed  spaceports , and other …

Appointments available online now MOSCOW, Idaho – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today that local residents can make an appointment now to enroll in TSA PreCheck® at a temporary enrollment center in Moscow, Idaho, that will be open for five consecutive days starting Monday, May 24, 2021. The temporary enrollment center will be located …

MEDIA NOTE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON APRIL 30, 2021 In keeping with the Department of State’s commitment to facilitate legitimate travel to the United States, Secretary Blinken decided today to apply the same set of National Interest Exceptions to India that he had previously applied to all other regional travel restrictions currently in effect as …

WASHINGTON (April 20, 2021) — A midair collision of two air tour airplanes was caused by “the inherent limitations of the see-and-avoid concept” along with the absence of alerts from both airplanes’ traffic display systems, the  National Transportation Safety Board  announced during a public meeting Tuesday. “From the earliest days of powered flight, pilots have been taught to avoid …

MEDIA NOTE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON APRIL 19, 2021 On April 19, the Air Transport Agreement between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Republic of the Congo entered into force. The Agreement establishes a modern civil aviation relationship with Congo consistent with the U.S. Open Skies international aviation …

MEDIA NOTE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON APRIL 19, 2021 The COVID-19 pandemic continues to pose unprecedented risks to travelers. In light of those risks, the Department of State strongly recommends U.S. citizens reconsider all travel abroad. As travelers face ongoing risks due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of State will begin updating its Travel …

4/13/2021 WASHINGTON (April 13, 2021) — The National Transportation Safety Board detailed in an accident report issued Tuesday the circumstances that led to the crash of a Boeing B-17G airplane that killed seven people and injured seven others. The NTSB determined the probable cause of the accident was the pilot’s failure to properly manage the …

4/15/2021 ​WASHINGTON (April 15, 2021) — The National Transportation Safety Board announced Thursday its intent to hold a public board meeting April 20, 2021, 9:30 a.m. Eastern time, to determine the probable cause of a fatal midair collision involving two air tour operators in Alaska. On May 13, 2019, a float-equipped de Havilland DHC-2 Beaver …

WASHINGTON–This month’s Fly Safe campaign topic looks at the importance of aircraft angle of attack awareness.   The General Aviation Joint Steering Committee’s (GAJSC) loss of control workgroup believes that a lack of awareness, with respect to angle of attack (AOA), has resulted in the loss of aircraft control and contributed to fatal GA accidents. …

U.S. Department of Transportation Announces Initial Steps Toward Aviation Manufacturing Jobs Protection Program, Encourages Businesses, Especially Small Businesses, to Begin Preparing for the Application Process Wednesday, April 14, 2021 $3 billion available soon for eligible businesses hurt by the pandemic to help cover employee compensation costs for up to six months WASHINGTON – Today, the …

Thursday, April 15, 2021 Polly Trottenberg was sworn in Wednesday afternoon as the Deputy Secretary of Transportation by Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg in a private ceremony, following her Senate confirmation yesterday. Trottenberg brings more than 25 years of public sector experience across all levels of government to the role. Most recently, she served for …

Local Press Release Wednesday, April 14, 2021 BATON ROUGE – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is ready for the continued surge in travelers at Baton Rouge Metropolitan Airport (BTR) and across the country.  Acrylic barriers and upgraded technology now reduce or eliminate physical contact between passengers and TSA staff. But as you prepare to fly …

APRIL 14, 2021 •  STATEMENTS AND RELEASES WASHINGTON – Today, President Joe Biden announced his intent to nominate 10 members of his Administration to lead on climate and transportation matters across key agencies, including the Department of Energy, Department of the Interior, Environmental Protection Agency, and Department of Transportation. The President has tapped Tommy Beaudreau for Deputy Secretary of …

WASHINGTON (April 13, 2021) — The National Transportation Safety Board detailed in an accident report issued Tuesday the circumstances that led to the June 21, 2019, crash of a parachute jump flight that killed all 11 people on board. The NTSB determined that the probable cause of the accident was the pilot’s aggressive takeoff maneuver, …

Individuals will be able to enroll in TSA PreCheck® at Erie International Airport from May 3 to 7. (TSA photo) ERIE, Pa. – Residents of the Erie area and northwestern Pennsylvania region will be able to enroll in the Transportation Security Administration’s popular TSA PreCheck® application program inside Erie International Airport from May 3 to 7, …

Secretary of Transportation of the United States of America, Pete Buttigieg and Minister for Transport of the Republic of Singapore, Ong Ye Kung, held an introductory virtual meeting on April 8, 2021. Secretary Buttigieg and Minister Ong both recognize the impact of transportation on climate change, as well as the critical role that transport plays …

Drone pilots who have  Part 107  Remote Pilot Certification can now take their required training courses online. The training ensures that they have the knowledge necessary to operate in accordance with the  Operations Over People  rule when it becomes effective on April 21, 2021. The training is free and available on the  FAA Safety Team (FAASTeam) website . There are three courses: Part 107 Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems Initial (ALC-451)  – Current Part …

STERLING, Va. – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers identified two Cameroon women as impostors at Washington Dulles International Airport on Monday with the help of biometric facial comparison technology. CBP Officer on Duty at Port of Entry (file) The two women arrived at a CBP primary inspection booth separately after their flight arrived …

TAMPA, FL – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced today the implementation of Simplified Arrival at Tampa International Airport (TPA). An officer at the Tampa International Airport processes an international traveler using Simplified Arrival.   Simplified Arrival is an enhanced international arrivals process that uses facial biometrics to automate the manual document checks that …

Low-Carbon Biofuels Could Power Airplanes, Ships, and Other Heavy-Duty Vehicles WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) today announced $61.4 million for technologies that produce low-cost, low-carbon biofuels. Biofuels are derived from renewable resources and can power heavy-duty vehicles that are difficult to electrify with current technologies—including airplanes and ships—to help accelerate America’s …

For Immediate Release April 1, 2021 Contact: pressoffice@faa.gov WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will award more than $627.7 million in infrastructure and safety projects through the  FY2021 Airport Improvement Program  (AIP). “Airports serve as a lifeline for communities across the nation,” said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg. “Modernizing our infrastructure in a way …

BIRMINGHAM – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is ready for the continued surge in spring break travelers.  Acrylic barriers and upgraded technology now reduce or eliminate physical contact between passengers and TSA staff. The TSA offers serious tips for navigating the airport checkpoint.  The first is to leave your gun at home or declare it …

APPLETON, WI – Residents of east-central Wisconsin will be able to enroll in the Transportation Security Administration’s popular TSA PreCheck® program at Appleton International Airport (ATW) April 19-23. The airport is a convenient location to sign up for the popular program that enables enrolled travelers to “Travel with Ease” by experiencing an expedited security screening …

MEDIA NOTE OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON MARCH 26, 2021 On March 25, the Governments of the United States and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland completed an exchange of diplomatic notes to bring the U.S.-UK Air Transport Agreement (“the Agreement”) into force. Both governments had been applying the Agreement, signed in November 2020, on the basis …

SPOKANE, Washington – With an anticipated spike in the number of people traveling around the spring break period, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) highlighted its use of new technologies and modified security procedures to help protect the health and safety of travelers departing Spokane International Airport (GEG). TSA is using computed tomography (CT) technology in …

Secure, seamless arrival process will support travel recovery efforts RIO GRANDE VALLEY, TX — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has now introduced Simplified Arrival at all of the pedestrian border crossings in the Rio Grande Valley ports of entry. A traveler in Rio Grande City is processed using Simplified Arrival.   Simplified Arrival is …

BUFFALO, N.Y. —  The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoint at Buffalo Niagara International Airport is now using new technology that confirms the validity of a traveler’s identification (ID) and confirms their flight information in near real time. “The new credential authentication technology (CAT) that we are now using at Buffalo enhances detection capabilities for identifying …

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) in partnership with Aerostar announced today the implementation of the Simplified Arrival process at the Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport (IATA: SJU, ICAO: TJSJ). Simplified Arrival is an enhanced international arrival process that uses facial biometrics to automate the manual document checks that are already required …

ARLINGTON, Va.—Airline travel volume is starting to pick up since the pandemic began a year ago, but with the CDC continuing to advise against non-essential travel, not everyone is ready to fly again. Whether you’re waiting for the CDC to give the “all clear” or you’re trying to decide when you’ll be comfortable flying again, …

APPLETON, WI – Residents of east-central Wisconsin will be able to enroll in the Transportation Security Administration’s popular TSA PreCheck® program at Appleton International Airport (ATW) April 19-23. The airport is a convenient location to sign up for the popular program that enables enrolled travelers to “Travel with Ease” by experiencing an expedited security screening …

Release Date: March 24, 2021 BALTIMORE – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced today the implementation of Simplified Arrival at Baltimore Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI). Simplified Arrival is an enhanced international arrivals process that uses facial biometrics to automate the manual document checks that are already required for admission into the United States. …

For the deserts of Southern California, the major milestones of aviation have long been marked by the unique sights, and sounds, of flight. From the late Chuck Yeager’s breaking of the sound barrier in 1947, to the space shuttles’ approach and landing at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center (then Dryden) in Edwards, and through today, …

FAA Streamlined Launch and Reentry Rule Takes Effect WASHINGTON — The United States is leading the way to a new era of  commercial space transportation  with a final rule that streamlines the licensing process for private sector launch and reentry operations. “Innovation in commercial space transportation is increasing dramatically, and policy needs to keep up. This rule will …

PHILADELPHIA – U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announced today the implementation of Simplified Arrival at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). Simplified Arrival is an enhanced international arrivals process that uses facial biometrics to automate the manual document checks that are already required for admission into the United States. Simplified Arrival provides travelers with a secure, touchless …

SEATTLE – Ahead of what is projected to be a busy spring break travel period, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) highlighted its use of touchless technologies and modified security procedures to help protect the health and safety of travelers departing Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. TSA is using computed tomography (CT) technology in the security checkpoint at …

Ready-to-use toolkit helps transportation operators educate the public about the Federal requirement to wear a mask while traveling and at transportation hubs  WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation announced today the “Mask Up,” campaign to help ensure the safety of transportation workers. The campaign is a joint effort by the Federal Aviation, Motor Carrier …

WASHINGTON – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) announced today the expansion of its TSA PreCheck® expedited screening program with the addition of LATAM Airlines Group, TAM-Linhas Aereas S.A., LAN Peru S.A. and Aerolane Lineas Aereas Nacionales del Ecuador, which collectively offers an extensive range of destinations throughout South America. In addition, Air Choice One was …

New technology to be demonstrated at Reagan National Aiport WASHINGTON – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) launched an assessment of new technology that uses Ultraviolet-C (UV-C) light to disinfect airport checkpoint bins in the agency’s continuing effort to provide safer checkpoint experiences by working to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other viruses and bacteria. …

Contact: pressoffice@faa.gov WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) proposes a $27,500 civil penalty against an airline passenger for allegedly interfering with and assaulting a flight attendant. The FAA alleges that on an Oct. 19, 2020, Delta Air Lines flight from Miami, Fla., to Atlanta, Ga., the passenger was traveling with and …

Contact: pressoffice@faa.gov The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) today selected five host airports to evaluate technologies and systems that could detect and mitigate potential safety risks posed by unmanned aircraft. The effort is part of the agency’s Airport Unmanned Aircraft Systems Detection and Mitigation Research Program. The FAA selected the following airports: Atlantic City International Airport in …

WASHINGTON – The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has substantial efforts underway in preparation for spring break travelers, who typically travel late February through April. Those efforts include technology upgrades across airport checkpoints that reduce or eliminate physical contact, recruitment efforts to prepare for possible increasing passenger volumes, and vaccination efforts for our officers and personnel who …

Background The FAA requires airport sponsors to maintain a safe operating environment, which includes conducting Wildlife Hazard Assessments (WHA) and preparing Wildlife Hazard Management Plans (WHMP), when there has been a significant wildlife strike. The Wildlife Hazard Management Plan identifies the specific actions the airport will take to mitigate the risk of wildlife strikes on …

The FAA is committed to protecting the safety and health of passengers and cabin crews on our nation’s airlines. The FAA has  strict cabin air standards , and studies have shown cabin air is as good as or better than the air found in offices and homes. In rare instances, certain mechanical issues can cause fumes to enter the …

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation today released its December 2020 Air Travel Consumer Report (ATCR) on reporting marketing and operating air carrier data compiled for the month of October 2020.  The full consumer report and other aviation consumer matters of interest to the public can be found at  http://www.transportation.gov/airconsumer . The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) …

On this day 117 years ago, for a few short seconds over 120 feet of wind-swept beach in North Carolina, Orville Wright became the first person to achieve sustained, controlled, powered, and manned flight, forever altering the course of human history. The flying machine Orville piloted, which he and his brother Wilbur designed and constructed …

WASHINGTON — Today, the White House National Space Council issued its  National Space Policy  (PDF), a coordinated process for developing and monitoring the implementation of America’s space policy and strategy. The U.S. Department of Transportation (the Department) is a critical partner and recognizes that commercial space transportation capabilities have become the gateway to innovation in this growing sector of …

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Transportation is having a record year with supporting 35  licensed commercial space launches  thus far in 2020 with the potential for even more before the year ends. The prior record of 33 was established in 2018. “The record number of launches demonstrates this administration’s commitment to support the innovation and growth of the U.S. commercial …

WASHINGTON – Today the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) provided planning considerations to assist the nation’s airports to facilitate the safe and efficient transportation of COVID-19 vaccines. “Airport operators have a unique role in the transport of vaccines to the American public,” said FAA Administrator Steve Dickson. “Each airport is different, and we are here to support …

FAA Administrator Steve Dickson today signed  an order  (PDF) that paves the way for the Boeing 737 MAX to return to commercial service. Administrator Dickson’s action followed a  comprehensive and methodical safety review process  (PDF) that took 20 months to complete. During that time, FAA employees worked diligently to identify and address the safety issues that played a role in the tragic loss of 346 …

WASHINGTON – The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has concluded the second phase of its  Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Traffic Management Pilot Program (UTM/UPP) . The agency ended the phase with virtual demonstrations in partnership with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and two UAS Test Sites: the  Virginia Tech Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership  (MAAP) and the  New York UAS Test Site (NYUASTS). The UPP results will provide a proof of concept for UTM capabilities and …

WASHINGTON (Oct. 13, 2020) — The  National Transportation Safety Board  announced Tuesday the successful launch of its new public-facing database query system for NTSB investigations, safety recommendations and dockets across all of the NTSB’s investigative modes. The new query system,  Case Analysis and Reporting Online – or CAROL  – not only helps users more easily access NTSB data, but it also changes the way the NTSB shares …

The  Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)  rules for small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), or “drone,” operations cover a broad spectrum of commercial and government uses for drones weighing less than 55 pounds. Highlights of the rule, 14 CFR  Part 107 , follow. Operating Requirements Just as there are rules of the road when driving a car, there are rules of the sky …

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced today that it plans to evaluate technologies and systems that could detect and mitigate potential safety risks posed by unmanned aircraft. The effort will be part of the agency’s Airport Unmanned Aircraft Systems Detection and Mitigation Research Program. The FAA plans to test and evaluate at least 10 technologies …

Scientists are using information from NASA’s Earth-observing satellites, on-the-ground sensors and computer-based datasets to study the environmental, economic and societal impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition, the agency’s Earth Science Division recently sponsored new projects to examine how the shutdowns in response to the pandemic are changing the environment, especially the atmosphere, and determine …

FACT SHEET OFFICE OF THE SPOKESPERSON MAY 1, 2020 Through the American people’s generosity and the U.S. government’s action, the United States continues to demonstrate global leadership in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Months into fighting this pandemic at home and abroad, the United States remains the largest single country donor to the response efforts globally, building on …

Wednesday, April 29, 2020 WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Transportation today announced a plan to address the impact of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health emergency on air carriers participating in the Essential Air Service (EAS) program.  The Department issued a Notice to all EAS air carriers indicating how those carriers may adjust …

WASHINGON–The  Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)  today announced a new  Unmanned  Aircraft Systems Collegiate Training Initiative (UAS-CTI)  that allows educational institutions and the agency to work collaboratively with students who pursue careers in UAS. “Providing our nation’s youth with educational opportunities is a major commitment of this administration,” said FAA Administrator Stephen M. Dickson. “We see these institutions opening doors for students seeking careers in this exciting, …

For Immediate Release April 30, 2020 Contact: pressoffice@dot.gov WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao announced today that the Department of Transportation’s  Federal Aviation Administration  (FAA) will award $1.187 billion in airport safety and infrastructure grants. The total includes $731 million in  Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants  (PDF) and an additional $455 million in  Supplemental Discretionary grants  (PDF). The money will be available for 100 percent …

PRESS STATEMENT MICHAEL R. POMPEO, SECRETARY OF STATE APRIL 8, 2020 Thanks to the unmatched generosity of the American people and the efforts of the U.S. Government, the United States has continued to lead the world’s public health and humanitarian response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are building on that leadership, with another $225 million in health, humanitarian, and economic assistance …

Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update 3/27/2020 FAA Takes Steps to Address the Effects of COVID-19 on the Aviation Industry The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is proactively taking steps to help address the widespread economic and health effects that the COVID-19 pandemic is having on the aviation industry. The FAA continues to evaluate a large number of …

The U.S. Government is leading the world’s humanitarian and health assistance response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are mobilizing all necessary resources to respond rapidly, both at home and abroad.  As part of this comprehensive and generous U.S. response, the State Department and USAID are providing an initial investment of nearly $274 million in emergency …

Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao will deliver remarks on behalf of the United States to the  40th Assembly  of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in Montreal, Canada.  Secretary Chao will be joined by David P. Pekoske, Acting Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security and Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA); Stephen M. Dickson, Administrator of …