What is required for a foreign airline to operate within the U.S. under a treaty?

For a foreign airline to operate within the U.S. under a treaty, it generally must obtain approval from the U.S. government, specifically the Department of Transportation (DOT). This approval is necessary to ensure that the airline complies with the terms of the bilateral or multilateral air transport agreements that exist between the U.S. and the foreign country in question.

While presidential approval can be involved in certain high-level agreements between countries, it is typically the DOT that grants the specific operational authority needed for a foreign airline to conduct flights within U.S. airspace. This process ensures that the foreign airline meets necessary safety and operational standards and adheres to the regulatory framework established by U.S. law, which is essential for maintaining safe and orderly air traffic.

The Aviation Safety Reporting Program clearance and approval from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration are not relevant to the process of allowing foreign airlines to operate within U.S. borders under a treaty, as they pertain to different aspects of aviation safety and space operations.