DOT EXTENDS SEPT. 11 COMPENSATION DEADLINE FOR IACS, WET LESSORS

DOT EXTENDS SEPT. 11 COMPENSATION DEADLINE FOR IACS, WET LESSORS    The Department of Transportation has extended its deadline for indirect air carriers (IACs) and wet lessors to file for financial relief for losses stemmed from Sept. 11.
   The DOT said it has amended the final rule to allow IACs and wet lessors until Feb. 8 to submit a compensation application. “However, we will adhere strictly to this new deadline,” DOT said. The DOT added that it will not submit late submissions unless the IAC or wet lessor demonstrates to the DOT’s satisfaction that they had extremely unusual or extenuating circumstances beyond their control that prevented them from making a timely submission. The DOT also said it will not process applications that fail to provide all of the information required while applying.
   The DOT said it had received on Jan. 16 requests for such an extension from three cargo transportation groups who claimed they did not have sufficient time to apply for the relief funds under the Air Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act (ATSSA). The associations had requested and extension through Jan. 30, to apply for compensation.
   The DOT said it determined that a reasonable basis existed for extending the time period. The DOT noted that “the department is sensitive to the fact that small businesses may not have had the opportunity to thoroughly review the regulations and collect the necessary information.”