This serves as interim notice to the public of the action described below, taken orally by the Department official indicated; the confirming order or other decision document will be issued as soon as possible.

Application of Polar Air Cargo, Inc. filed 1/9/97 in Docket OST-97-2052 for:

XX Exemption from Order 96-11-28; startup deadline:

By Order 96-11-28 the Department issued Polar Air Cargo a certificate of public convenience and necessity to provide scheduled all-cargo service between the United States and Japan (Route 727). By its terms the certificate would expire February 24, 1997, unless Polar commences service by that date. Polar seeks extension of the February 24 startup date to April 30, 1997, stating that the Government of Japan requires a minimum of 90 days from the date of receipt of a completed foreign air carrier application to secure Japanese approval. Since Polar's designation was transmitted to the Japanese Government on December 6, 1996, Polar states that based on the Japanese Government's procedures, it would not be able to meet the current February 24 startup date.

Applicant rep.: Alfred J. Eichenlaub, 202-637-9034 DOT analyst: Sylvia Moore, 202-366-6519