Order 2016-11-22

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Department in its final order said:

This case is among the most novel and complex ever undertaken by the Department. We have taken the necessary amount of time to review and consider the comments from a wide range of stakeholders. Regardless of our appreciation of the public policy arguments raised by opponents, we have been advised that the law and our bilateral obligations leave no avenue to reject this application. We find that the clear weight of legal analysis in this case directs us to uphold the tentative findings and conclusions previously made.

In reaching our decision to grant NAI's permit, we have taken into account the totality of the record regarding its application, including those changes to its hiring and employment practices that it has offered as a direct result of the difficult issues that have been raised during the course of this proceeding. We anticipate that they will be implemented, consistently with applicable laws.

Therefore, against this background, we have decided to make final our tentative decision to grant the request of NAI for a foreign air carrier permit.