A bill to amend title 49, United States Code, to provide assistance and slots with respect to air carrier service between high density airports and airports that do not receive sufficient air service, to improve jet aircraft service to underserved markets, and for other purposes.
TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Title I: Service to Airports Not Receiving Sufficient
Service
Title II: Regional Air Service Incentive Program
Air Service Improvement Act of 1997 - Title I: Service to Airports Not Receiving Sufficient Service - Authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to grant exemptions pertaining to the use of slots (arrival and departure spaces) at high density airports in order to enable air carriers to provide nonstop air transportation using noise-compliant aircraft between a high density airport and a small hub or nonhub airport that the Secretary determines is not receiving sufficient air service to and from the high density airport. Provides exemption limitations, including a limitation of no more than six exemptions per day for slots at Washington National Airport. Requires exemption decisions to be made by the Secretary within 120 days of application.
Makes funds not otherwise obligated or expended for the Federal essential air service program available for: (1) air carrier service to airports not receiving sufficient air service; and (2) rural air safety at airports with less than 100,000 annual boardings.
Requires a decision by the Secretary within 180 days after receipt of a complaint alleging that an air carrier has been or is engaging in an unfair method of competition in the provision or sale of air transportation.
Title II: Regional Air Service Incentive Program - Authorizes the Secretary to guarantee any lender against loss on any loan made to a commuter air carrier (maximum seating capacity of 75 or less) for the purchase of jet aircraft when such aircraft are to be used to provide service to underserved markets. Outlines loan conditions and limitations, including that: (1) such aircraft comply with certain Federal noise-level requirements; and (2) the air carrier agrees to provide service to the underserved market(s) for at least 12 months after being placed in service. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) collect a loan guarantee fee from such lenders; and (2) be given, and make use of, Federal facilities and assistance in carrying out the incentive program.
Terminates the above authority five years after the enactment of this Act. Authorizes appropriations.
For title IV provisions See H.R. 4328.
Introduced in Senate
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce.
Committee on Commerce. Committee consideration and Mark Up Session held.
Committee on Commerce. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
checking server…
Ask anything about this bill. The AI reads the full text to answer.
Enter to send · Shift+Enter for new line