"FAA Announces Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) Increase Start Date"

Friday, September 22, 2000

FAA Announces Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) Increase Start Date
Press Release

		
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal 
Aviation Administration (FAA) today announced that April 1, 2001, 
would be the earliest start date for new $4 and $4.50 passenger 
facility charge (PFC) levels. 

After thorough consultation with government and industry experts, 
FAA established the uniform industry-wide start date to give airline 
ticketing and computer reservations system providers time to 
implement reprogramming to accommodate the higher level.

"An earlier start date for PFC levels above $3 is not practical 
because existing airline ticketing and computer reservation 
systems must be reprogrammed to accommodate fractional dollar 
levels, higher PFC amounts and other changes introduced by 
AIR-21," said Woodie Woodward, acting associate administrator 
for airports. 

Once the required programming changes are made, industry also 
must conduct a testing and validation period to ensure that all 
programs function properly both independently and in relation to 
other domestic and international systems. 

The April 1 date does not, however, preclude airports from 
immediately submitting PFC applications or amended applications 
requesting the authority to collect the higher PFC amount 
beginning on that date.  The FAA will review and rule on 
applications in advance of the effective date.

These new PFC levels are authorized under the Wendell H. Ford 
Aviation Investment and Reform Act for the 21st Century 
(AIR-21), signed into law on April 5, 2000.  Prior to AIR-21, the 
highest authorized PFC level was $3 per enplaned revenue 
passenger.  

Under the law both before and after enactment of AIR-21, PFCs 
are imposed based on the number of departures by the 
passenger, with a maximum imposition of two PFCs, for one-way 
flights and four PFCs for roundtrip itineraries.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
APA 71-00
September 22, 2000
Contact: Marcia Adams
Phone: 202-267-3462
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