The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) has formed a task force to combat illegal charter, “a growing concern among members and the industry.” Establishment of the task force follows several months of collaboration by the association with its membership and air charter committee, and meetings with the FAA to highlight steps to strengthen the association’s efforts to protect legitimate charter companies.
“Visiting our members throughout the country, the number one concern expressed by the air charter community is the intrinsic danger of illegal charter to their businesses and the industry as a whole,” NATA executive vice president of operations and general counsel Timothy Obitts said. “NATA’s initiative reinforces our ongoing efforts in combating this serious threat to air charter and the public that is often difficult to identify due to the use of deceptive and convoluted agreements.”
Actions of the task force include: Working with the FAA and Congress to provide guidance on steps to avoid illegal operations and to assist the agency in its enforcement role; helping industry provide the FAA with illegal charter reports that provide more actionable data; educating the public on the importance of flying legally; and updating the “Chartering an Aircraft: A Consumer Guide” and “Risks of Illegal Charter” publications.
“The goal of this effort is to protect the safety and integrity of an industry held to a very high standard, Obitts said. “Safety and fair competition are paramount to the continued success of the air charter industry. Illegal charter must be stamped-out, not only from a fairness standpoint, but also to ensure the safety of the traveling public,” added Obitts.
The first meeting of the illegal charter task force will take place at NATA’s Annual Meeting and Aviation Business Conference June 12-14 in Washington, D.C.
The issue of so-called gray charter practices is gaining global attention. In addition to the NATA’s initiative, BACA-The Air Charter Association has teamed up with the European Business Aviation Association to fight illegal charter practices in Europe.
