Docket OST-97-2921

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.

Applicant: ANTONOV DESIGN BUREAU Date Filed: September 22 & 25, 1997

Relief requested: Exemption from 49 U.S.C. 40109(g) to operate one one-way emergency cabotage cargo charter flight between Wichita/McConnell AFB, Kansas, and Seattle/Boeing Field, Washington, on or about September 25, 1997, using its AN-124 aircraft, on behalf of the Boeing Commercial Airline Group, to transport thrust reverser halves and related equipment for 777 aircraft, and specified aircraft parts for other Boeing commercial airplane programs.

Applicant representative: Sheryl R. Israel (202) 663-8382

Responsive pleadings: Antonov served its application on those U.S. carriers operating large all-cargo aircraft. Each carrier indicated that it did not have aircraft available to conduct the proposed operations, and that it had no comment or did not oppose grant of the requested authority to Antonov.

DISPOSITION

Action: Approved Action date: SEPTEMBER 25, 1997

Effective dates of authority granted: SEPTEMBER 25-28, 1997

Basis for approval: We found that our action was consistent with all the relevant criteria of 49 U.S.C. 40109(g) for the grant of an exemption of this type, and that the grant of this authority was required in the public interest. Moreover, based on the representations of the U.S. carriers, we concluded that no U.S. carrier had aircraft available which could be used to conduct the operation at issue here. We also found that grant of this authority would prevent unreasonable hardship to Boeing.

Except to the extent exempted/waived, this authority is subject to the terms, conditions, and limitations indicated:

X Standard exemption conditions
X Foreign air carrier permit conditions

Special conditions: The applicant shall comply with an FAA-approved flight routing for the authorized flight and obtain any requisite DOD authorizations.

Action taken by:

Charles A. Hunnicutt
Assistant Secretary for Aviation
and International Affairs