Will Address Issues Unique To U.S./Canada Crossings

The NBAA and Canadian Business Aviation Association (CBAA) announce their partnership on a new Cross-Border Issues Conference. The event will be held November 18 and 19 in Montreal, Canada at the Hilton Montreal Bonaventure.

With over $1.5 billion in goods moving across the border between the United States and Canada each day, many business aircraft operators from both countries make frequent cross-border flights. Based on feedback from their Member Companies, CBAA and NBAA have developed this conference to address the challenges faced by operators when crossing the border and flying in the airspace of the U.S. or Canada. "The ability of companies based in the U.S. and Canada to move efficiently across the border using business aircraft is an important factor in the productive economic relationship between both countries," said NBAA President and CEO Ed Bolen. "NBAA and its Members value the continued efforts of the Canadian government on programs that allow for expedited border clearance by low-risk, pre-screened travelers."

"The Cross-Border Issues Conference will be a highly interactive seminar that brings together government officials from the U.S. and Canada to assist operators in developing best practices for a variety of issues, from customs clearance to obtaining economic authority for commercial flights," said CBAA President and CEO Sam Barone.

The agenda for the conference was developed in collaboration with aircraft operators, international service providers and subject-matter experts at both associations to ensure that issues of greatest interest to Attendees are covered.

The conference will begin by providing operators with an understanding of the oversight responsibilities that regulatory agencies in both the U.S. and Canada have over cross-border flights. Regulatory requirements such as compliance with U.S. Customs and Border Protection Advance Passenger Information System (APIS) rules will be discussed in detail. Another area of focus will be restrictions on cabotage, or the practice of providing commercial transportation for passengers, mail or cargo between two points in a foreign country. Most countries, including the U.S. and Canada, have restrictions in place that prohibit cabotage operations within their boarders. Presenters, including representatives from the U.S. and Canadian governments, and aviation attorneys will provide details on relevant cabotage restrictions.

The conference is intended for flight department personnel, including managers, pilots, schedulers and dispatchers. Aircraft owners and operators, attorneys, advisors and others who have an interest in cross-border issues are also encouraged to attend.

FMI:  www.nbaa.org/events/cross-border/2010