For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
December 22, 2005

Memorandum for the Secretary of Transportation

SUBJECT: Provision of Aviation Insurance Coverage for Commercial Air Carrier Service in Domestic and International Operations

By the authority vested in me by 49 U.S.C. 44302, et seq., I hereby:

1. determine that continuation of U.S.-flag commercial air service is necessary in the interest of air commerce, national security, and the foreign policy of the United States.

2. approve provision by the Secretary of Transportation of insurance or reinsurance to U.S.-flag air carriers against loss or damage arising out of any risk from the operation of an aircraft in the manner and to the extent provided in Chapter 443 of 49 U.S.C.:

(a) until August 31, 2006;

(b) after August 31, 2006, but no later than December 31, 2006, when he determines that such insurance or reinsurance cannot be obtained on reasonable terms and conditions from any company authorized to conduct an insurance business in a State of the United States; and

3. delegate to the Secretary of Transportation the authority, vested in me by 49 U.S.C. 44306(c), to extend this determination for additional periods beyond August 31, 2006, but no later than December 31, 2006, when he finds that the continued operation of aircraft to be insured or reinsured is necessary in the interest of air commerce or the national security, or to carry out the foreign policy of the United States Government.

You are directed to bring this determination immediately to the attention of all air carriers within the meaning of 49 U.S.C. 40102(2), and to arrange for its publication in the Federal Register.

GEORGE W. BUSH

# # #