Contingency plan for lengthy tarmac delays
Effective on and after June 2, 2021
Safety Always is our number one value and highest priority at Avelo Airlines. With that in mind, Avelo works hard to avoid extended tarmac delay situations. Avelo has a comprehensive plan designed to forecast and adjust to operational challenges and minimize lengthy delays while Customers are on board our aircraft.
U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations establish time limits for tarmac delays at U.S. airports. Our contingency plan for lengthy tarmac delays (Plan) meets or exceeds all DOT requirements. In the unlikely event of a lengthy onboard delay prior to takeoff or upon landing, our Operations Control Center will coordinate with the pilot-in-command, our local airport crewmembers and authorities at the airport to implement our Plan.
Avelo’s Plan includes the following standards:
1. In the case of domestic flights, Avelo will not permit an aircraft to remain on the tarmac for more than three (3) hours before allowing Customers to deplane, except as follows:
- The pilot-in-command determines that deplaning passengers at a gate or other suitable disembarkation point would jeopardize passenger safety or security, or there is a safety-related or security-related reason why the aircraft cannot leave its position on the tarmac; or
- Air traffic control advises the pilot-in-command that returning to the gate or another disembarkation point elsewhere to deplane passengers would significantly disrupt airport operations.
- For departing flights, the flight must begin to return to a gate or other suitable disembarkation point in order to deplane customers no later than three (3) hours after the main aircraft door is closed.
2. In the case of international flights, Avelo will not permit an aircraft to remain on the tarmac at a U.S. airport for more than four (4) hours before allowing Customers to deplane, except as follows:
- The pilot-in-command determines that deplaning passengers at a gate or other suitable disembarkation point would jeopardize passenger safety or security, or there is a safety-related or security-related reason why the aircraft cannot leave its position on the tarmac; or
- Air traffic control advises the pilot-in-command that returning to the gate or another disembarkation point elsewhere to deplane passengers would significantly disrupt airport operations.
- For departing flights, the flight must begin to return to a gate or other suitable disembarkation point in order to deplane customers no later than four (4) hours after the main aircraft door is closed.
3. For all flights (domestic and international) while the aircraft remains delayed on the tarmac, Avelo will provide:
- Adequate food and drinking water no later than two hours after the start of the tarmac delay, unless the pilot-in-command determines that safety or security considerations preclude such service.
- Operable lavatory facilities and a comfortable cabin air temperature, as well as adequate medical attention if needed.
- Notification to Customers regarding the status of the tarmac delay, including the reasons for the delay if known, when the delay exceeds 30 minutes. As additional information becomes available, we will share it as quickly as possible.
- Timely notification to Customers that they have the opportunity to deplane when the aircraft reaches a gate or other suitable disembarkation point, if the opportunity to deplane actually exists; and
- Sufficient resources to implement the Plan.
4. Avelo has coordinated this Plan with airport and TSA authorities at each U.S. regular and diversion airport at which Avelo operates, and with U.S. Customs and Border Protection in the case of international flights. In addition, Avelo will coordinate with airport officials and, if necessary, other airlines to share facilities and make gates available at the airport in an emergency, for the duration of the emergency.